The Call to Return - Ezra and Nehemia

In an age when God’s mandate for the Church is so unmistakeable and urgent – at a time when my own fellowship is assembling on the banks of a metaphorical Jordan - as I, at times, falter in my commitment to God’s call on my life – I am intrigued, even gripped with the concept of risking it all – taking the plunge – of returning, rebuilding, re-instating – renewing.  Of partnering with God in “making all things new”.

One of the most insightful play books we have on this comes from the Biblical accounts of Ezra and Nehemiah – initially a single book in the Septuagint.  But if you’re looking for a “home-run”, "winner-takes-all" report card on these vital competencies (at least by worldly standards) then you might be disappointed.

At first glance, Israel’s history post the Babylon exile is dissatisfying.

In line with prophecy, the remnant of Judah and Benjamin return to the Promised Land - a shadow of a bygone era.  Gone are the glories of Solomon’s monarchy.  Devastated is the land.  Pagan nations now occupy this once sacred cross-road.  The job at hand - to rebuild the temple - is plagued by delays, half-hearted commitment and comparisons with the glorious edifice which once stood there.

I can’t help thinking that “things would never be the same again”

Yet there is much to learn from the lives of Ezra and Nehemiah – men called, against all odds, to renew, reform and rebuild not only the nation but its covenant relationship with the God who fathered it.  Their call was to re-instate not just a physical space but an emotional and spiritual one too.

Come with us as we examine this troubled, yet ultimately uplifting passage of Israel’s history.