A Spiritual Foundation ‘Built to Code’
When we allow ourselves to drift spiritually, we find ourselves in a weakened, distracted, or even broken state. At this point, rebuilding spiritually can feel very overwhelming. But, if we rebuild on God’s faithfulness and according to His ways, we can experience great spiritual renewal and enjoy the favour of God on our lives once again (cf. Ps. 103:8-12; Isa. 43:18-20; Php. 3:13-14).
God’s materials for spiritual renewal:
1. Qualified, God-fearing leaders – To guide us (vs. 1-6)
- Qualified leaders are given by God to help guide and equip His children (cf. Eph. 4:11-13; Acts 20:28)
- Knowing that God’s providence is over our lives doesn’t mean sitting back and doing nothing
- “Divine providence does not stifle human initiative – it invites it” (cf. 1 Sam. 14:6-14)
Have you taken the time to thank God for the spiritual leaders He has graciously used in your life to help you become mature in Christ? “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Heb. 13:7). “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account” (vs. 17). Pray for your leaders, “because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (cf. James 3:1).
2. His instructions – For ‘building’ lives that are pleasing to Him (vs. 7-26)
- If you want to know God → Study His Word (cf. 2 Pt. 1:19-21)
- If you want to be blessed in what you do → Obey God’s Word (cf. James 1:22-25; Ps. 119:2)
- If you want to bless others → Teach/share God’s Word (cf. Mt. 28:19-20; Rom. 10:14-15; Col. 3:16; 1 Pt. 3:15)
How devoted are you to studying, obeying, and sharing God’s Word? Are you daily being transformed by the renewing of your mind through time in God’s Word? Spiritual renewal and transformation begin with knowing God’s instructions for building a life pleasing to Him. Allow the Holy Spirit to take that truth and change the desires in your heart, which will ultimately change your actions.
3. His favour – Which fuels praise and courage (vs. 27-28)
- “God will supply all our needs according to His riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” (cf. Php. 4:19)
- Recalling the Lord’s favour on our lives should cause us to intentionally give thanks and praise Him (cf. Ps. 9:1-2)
- Recalling and praising will ignite courage to move forward with God’s plans for our lives
Ezra used words to express all that God had done, and so should we. The God who moved the heart of that king still works on behalf of His people. Praising Him for matters both big and small reminds us of our dependence on Him, acknowledges His goodness, and helps us understand His power. “The faithfulness of God propels the faithfulness of His people.”
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