Is the book of Ezra just History?

Is the book of Ezra “just history?”

Although Ezra is often considered to be “an interesting history book,” much more can be found therein. This article begins to explore valuable lessons for our times from the book of Ezra. First, consider the people of Ezra’s day. Their history contained the giving of the Law by Moses about 1000 years earlier, the appointment of a king as ruler instead of God, and apostasy to the worship of idols that resulted in loss of the northern tribes, and Babylonian captivity for the southern tribes. In Ezra’s day the captives had just been allowed to return to the homeland to restore correct worship of God.

Now consider us today. Our history includes the sacrificial death of Christ some 2000 years ago, establishment of the church, and the subsequent falling away from the New Testament pattern. Some, recognizing this falling away, attempted to reform the church during the 1500’s. Today we, like the people of Ezra’s day, are busy “restoring” the New Testament church and correct worship of God. In this way we have a powerful affinity with Ezra and the goals of the people then as we continue our efforts to worship after the N.T. plan given by God. In brief, we are doing much like them.

What can we learn from their experience? First, like them we must go back to the original inspired instructions from God to determine what we to do and how [see chapters 3:2, 4; 6:18 (“as written in the law of Moses”); and chapters 9 and 10]. Again and again they insisted upon doing exactly what was written in Exodus through Deuteronomy. It is entirely appropriate today when restoring correct worship of God to follow God’s Word exactly. We, too, must insist upon book, chapter, and verse for all we do and practice. Let’s continue to call Bible things by Bible names and practice Bible commands exactly as specified in the New Testament.

Second, like Ezra’s day we should expect opposition from the devil and his minions [see chapters 4 and 5 (“advesaries of Judah and Benjamin”)]. Again and again enemies attempted to stop the building of the temple and restoration of true worship. The same has often been found today. We should expect it. Yet God expects us to learn what He wants. and do it. regardless of the opposition.

Third, as in Ezra’s day we should depend upon God to supply what we cannot. Somehow God inspired Cyrus the king to allow the exiles to go home from captivity, and Darius, a later king, to fund the restoration of the temple (see chapter 1:1-4 and 6:22). Amazing! Later, in response to prayer, and dedication, God protected Ezra and the second wave of returning captives from enemies and ambushes (see chapter 8:31). During severe discouragement by enemies (work was actually stopped!) God sent Haggai and Zechariah to preach to the people and re-vitalize the work (see chapter 6:14). God will always be “for us” and help us if we are intent on restoring correct New Testament worship and obey His word. Fourth, in restoring correct worship of God we can never compromise (see chapter 4:3 where the Samaritans, a mixed race with “untrue worship in Samaria,” tried to join in the work). It won’t do to be “like our religious neighbors.” We must obey God exactly even if it causes unhappiness in the world in which we live.

Finally, success in worshipping God correctly (in our time, as in their time) requires first under- standing of what God has said (read and under- stand the Word!), practicing it ourselves in our lives, and teaching it to others (see chapter 7:10 for the excellent example of Ezra). Ezra “set his heart” to obey what God desired. Can we set our hearts to true worship and building up of the congregation? In short, what can I do to obey the Lord?

Yes, restoration of true worship is an old practice of God’s people. As we read of this restoring work in Ezra’s day we think of ourselves and what we must do. It is entirely appropriate to follow the New Testament exactly, never compromising with religious neighbors, depending upon God to bless our efforts, and setting our hearts on pleasing God.

Related

Abundant Life: October 2008

• I am Bill’s Faith by Mark Roberts
• The church of Christ at Ephesus by Pat Farish