Drawing nearer to God. As we explore this new season when God is calling us to draw nearer to Him, we pray for God to speak to us through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. He invites us to build His church with Him. The Lord of all creation is inviting us to be a part of building His Kingdom. Wow! Ezra tells us that everyone who hears His call is encouraged to leave everything, travel for 900 miles (taking months!) and build His temple – draw nearer to Him. This road for all of us as we draw nearer to Him is fraught with danger and difficulty. The storms and troubles of this world seem relentless, yet we are reminded through the detailed prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah that, however long and arduous the journey, God is sovereign, and psalm 23 is clear that God is walking with us. He is above all troubles and His promise of eternity with Him in joy and peace is so much greater than anything this world can offer or throw at us.
2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:2-5
I encourage you to stand firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13). Build your house on the firm foundation (Matthew 7:24-25). The road is difficult and long, but cannot compare to an eternity of joy with our Creator.
God bless you.