God Restores and Loves Continuously

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Ezra 6:1–16

King Cyrus decreed the release of the exiled Jews in his land. In addition, he instructed his governors not to interfere with the rebuilding of God’s Temple in Jerusalem, even to assist them and to help pay for construction with funds from the royal treasury.

What is the moral of this story? God’s sovereign power can even use enemies and oppressors for His glory. God’s grace in the Old Testament is Jesus concealed.

We can reflect on how much God loves us by His forgiveness and restoration. God removed His children from a pagan environment which enticed them to become covenant breakers. He brought them back to their spiritual center, rebuilding the Temple.

We can use the scriptures as guidelines for our own lives. In this case, we know that God restores, loves, and never fails. He will remove us from situations of temptation and places where we feel lost and separated from him.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we ask for Your help to stay focused on You and Your Kingdom. If we begin to stray, restore us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Valerie Sheafe-DuBerry

(Read the next devotion here.)

First Miami Community

First Miami is a community focused on 5 Foundations of Ministry based on the formational teachings of Jesus – Worship, Discipleship, Missions, Stewardship and Care. Our hope is that every member of our church would actively Connect to God through Worship; Grow through Discipleship; Serve the larger Miami community and the world through Missions; Give of time and talents through Stewardship; and show Love both inside and outside of the church through Care. Our mission is simple: To love God and to love others. Visit our website at firstmiami.org.