God Inspires Others to Follow

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, a teach of the Law of God of heaven: Greeting. Now I decree that any of the Israelite’s in my kingdom, including priests and Levites, who wish to go to Jerusalem with you, may go. You are sent by the king and his seven advisers to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem with regard to the Law of your God, which is in your hand.” (Ezra 7:12-14)
  Passage: Ezra 8:1-18

          Ezra had a call from God to go to Jerusalem and call the people, who had grown complacent and compromising in their faith, back to the Lord. He had the pedigree of a priest in the line of Aaron, but he needed people to join Him in that work. God gave him favor with King Artaxerxes to go personally and to invite people to join him. Chapter 8:1-14 gives a list of the heads of families along with the number of their family who answered the call. Then in 8:15-18, Ezra describes how he discovered that there were not enough people who responded from the tribe of Levi who could help the priests in the care of the Temple. When the need was met, Ezra again acknowledged the reason. God’s hand was on them.
         God calls people to lead churches and ministries, but no one can do all the work alone. God’s work depends on people. He never coerces anyone, but His gracious hand moves in the hearts of people to answer the call to be part of a local church and other ministries. Thank God for the people in your church and pray for others to follow His leading to join the vision He gave the church.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)