Ezra: The Lord HelpsSample

Money has a strange hold on us. It promises to give so much and therefore it takes a mighty work of God moving in our hearts for us to part with it. 

These verses summarise this remarkable chapter. Over 42,000 people – not to mention the horses, mules, camels, and donkeys – are traveling from Babylon to Jerusalem (vv. 64–67). If there’s any doubt about their commitment to rebuild the temple, see how they put their money where their mouth is (vv. 68–69). The gold they give weighs 1133lbs. At today’s exchange rate that’s worth a staggering £15 million excluding the silver, which by my calculations is worth even more. 

There are two expressions I love here. The first comes in verse 68: they ‘gave freewill offerings.' They don’t give out of duty, or to keep the Law, or just what they are told to give. This is freely given, such is their gratitude. Most of these exiled people had never seen Jerusalem before. Now they are there, they show their thankfulness in their giving. 

The second expression I love is in verse 69: ‘According to their ability they gave’. Some are able to make a substantial contribution, others very little. But as they all give what they can, it adds up to a staggering amount of money that will be used to rebuild the temple. 

Five centuries later, in Mark 12:41–44, Jesus is in the rebuilt temple. Many rich people are throwing large amounts of money into the offertory plate, but a poor widow puts in just a couple of pennies. Jesus notices her and commends her to the disciples. The rich people give out of their wealth. She gives out of her poverty, putting in everything she has. While in worldly terms it amounts to nothing, in God’s economy she gives more than all the others. 

Our giving shouldn’t be measured by what we put in, but by how much we have left. We are to give thankfully and sacrificially according to our ability to do so. That will happen when God moves in our hearts. 

The whole of Ezra 2 leaves us in no doubt that these people make the building of God’s temple their priority. They are prepared: to leave comfortable Babylon to return to their ruined city; for hard work; to serve – using the gifts and abilities God has given them, and often for no recognition or status; to commit to obeying God’s Word; and to give money to see the temple built.

Reflection

Ask God to move in your heart that you too would be wholeheartedly committed to seeing His church built. Consider where God is challenging you to be sacrificial in your response to Him.