“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, “2Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. 3Who is among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem. 4And whoever is left in any place where he dwells, let the men of his place help him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, besides the freewill offerings for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.” Ezra 1:1-4 NKJV
God of the resurrection,
Here we read of those who felt called to return to Jerusalem and help build the Temple which lay in ruins. 42,360 returned with 7,337 servants and 200 singers. The singers were as important as the Levites and the priests. Praise was important. It was a part of worship.
The exiles were given the choice to go to Jerusalem or stay where they had settled. Those who were nudged by You, God returned and no where is it described as going back. They did not go back returned to build a new beginning. Another opportunity to return to God. How often we read that You called people to serve You even after they had failed. Like Moses (send Aaron), Jonah (ran the opposite direction) . . .
Today You still call to those who would turn to You and find You, to help build the church of today. The church, the people who love You. You do ask us to answer Your call and surrender all even if You do not intend us to leave where we are settled. We are not always called to mission somewhere else. Your call is individual. It is learning to hold all we have ready to be used by You and You do not call us to bankrupt ourselves or compare ourselves to others.
Help us to volunteer, just as those pioneers did heading back to Jerusalem, not knowing what lay ahead of them. Trusting.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 19th September 2025
All to Jesus, I surrender
All to Thee I freely give
I will ever love and trust You
In Your presence daily live
I surrender all, I surrender all
All to Thee, my blessed Savior
I surrender all
All to Jesus, I surrender
Lord, I give myself to Thee
Fill me with Your love and power
Let Your blessing fall on me
I surrender all, I surrender all
All to Thee, my blessed Savior
I surrender all
All to Jesus I surrender
Now I feel the sacred flame
O the joy of full salvation
Glory, glory, to Your name
I surrender all, I surrender all
All to Thee, my blessed Savior
I surrender all
All to Thee my blessed Saviour
I surrender all.
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