Ezra: The Lord HelpsSample

Ezra 8 begins with another list of unpronounceable names. It’s a parallel passage to Ezra 2, and is about as exciting as reading through a school register! Until we stop and think about it. Then it’s thrilling. 

As Ezra knew the hand of the Lord was upon him, he had the courage to gather people to accompany him to Jerusalem (7:28). Chapter 8 begins with those who are ready to do this: to leave their home in Babylon and put first God’s kingdom. It is a list of people who are committed to realizing a reformation. 

The numbers involved are huge. If you find a calculator, you’ll work out nearly 1,500 men register to make the move from Babylon to Jerusalem – and that’s not mentioning the women and children. 

It’s a reminder that when many people respond together to the challenges of the gospel, great things are possible. In recent years Christ Church Fulwood has seen large groups leave to plant churches elsewhere in the city. Those churches are now established and themselves planting churches. 

Also take note of the names in this list, comparing it with Ezra 2. You’ll discover that of the 13 families mentioned here, 11 featured in chapter 2. That observation causes Dale Ralph Davis to write, ‘Covenant fidelity tends to run in families.’ (Dale Ralph Davis, New Opportunity Under Grey Skies, p. 31). 

When families are faithful in putting the Lord and His kingdom first in their lives, very often that has a positive impact on the next generation. In Ezra 2, 80 years earlier, families had made the sacrificial move to Jerusalem from Babylon. Now, when others are called to go to Jerusalem, the majority who respond are from those same families. A similar pattern happens every autumn when new students arrive in Sheffield to begin university. Most of those who know Jesus and come to our church are from Christian homes. 

But the list in Ezra 8 also includes two new families. What an encouragement for those who are first-generation Christians – families like mine. Neither Caroline, my wife, nor I were raised in Christian families, but we can influence our children to be wholehearted followers of Jesus Christ themselves. When we seek first God’s kingdom and put the Lord Jesus first in the big decisions of life, our children too are more likely to demonstrate that same kingdom priority in their families. Covenant fidelity does indeed run in families.

Reflection

If you were raised in a Christian family, thank God for those who taught you the gospel. If you are a first-generation Christian, pray you would be a positive influence for Christ to others in your family. Pray many in your church would encourage others by seeking first God’s kingdom in everything.