GOD WON'T ABANDON YOU
Dylan Blanton
Today’s Scripture: “For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection in Judea and Jerusalem.” Ezra 9:9, ESV
Theme: Thank the Lord God that Jesus has died and risen to end our slavery to sin.
HOPE WHEN THINGS ARE BLEAK
When I read the Old Testament, it always amazes me at how many times the Israelites, who had seen all the powerful things that God had done for them, could constantly try to turn to idols and worldly kings instead of God. In our Scripture for today, the Israelites were enslaved to the Persians, and before that, they had been enslaved to Babylon. Many of them saw no hope and no future, but Ezra shares with them that even in captivity, God never once abandoned them. Even though they were in captivity, God provided a way for them to return to their homeland, rebuild the Temple, and give them protection! Even though Israel had turned against His teachings, He still provided for them.
RIGHTEOUSNESS SETS US FREE
In the same way the Israelites repeatedly turned against God, the Bible tells us that we were also slaves to sin. Romans 6:20 (ESV) says, “For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.” Our sin nature is a real thing that we have to wrestle with. When we accept Christ, He frees us from that! That doesn’t mean that we will never sin again or that everything will always go our way, but when we choose Christ, we choose to follow His example and live in such a way that sin doesn’t control us anymore. Will we make mistakes? Of course! The difference is that we serve a God Who will forgive us and help us to continue to grow. Jesus died and rose again so that we can be free from the burden of sin. We don’t have to carry that guilt and shame anymore because Christ took our place and paid the price for our sins!
Make It Personal: Just like the Israelites, there will be seasons in our lives that are tough, painful, and burdensome. However, God is with us even in the bleakest of times. Through faith, we can know that in every season, good or bad, God is with us! We just need to take the time to recognize this and ask Him for guidance. He will be our Comforter, our provider, and our protector. It may not happen in the exact way that we want it to, but rest assured God has a plan for your life, and He will never abandon you!
Pray: God, thank You for being ever present in our lives. We ask that You help us to see You in every situation. Help us to come to You when we don’t know where to turn. Help us to feel Your presence and love through our highest highs and our lowest lows. We love You and thank You for the gift of redemption. In Your Name, Amen!
Read: Romans 6:14-23, Galatians 4:7
Weekly Memory Verse: “And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, ‘For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.’” Ezra 3:11a, ESV