How can we apply the principle of stewardship from Ezra 5:15 today? Ezra 5:15 in Focus “and he said to him, ‘Take these articles; go and deposit them in the house of Jerusalem, and let the house of God be rebuilt in its original place.’ ” Core Stewardship Principles in the Verse - Ownership: the sacred vessels belong to God, not to men (cf. 1 Chron 29:14). - Assignment: each item has a designated purpose—worship in God’s house. - Accountability: the charge “take…go…and deposit” requires faithful follow-through (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:2). - Restoration: stewardship includes returning what has been displaced so true worship can resume. - Partnership: a pagan king entrusts God’s people; even outsiders may supply resources to advance God’s work (cf. Isaiah 60:5). Translating the Principles into Daily Life • Possessions & Finances - Tithe and give offerings first (Malachi 3:10). - Budget so needs are met and excess blesses others (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). - Keep clear records; pay bills on time—faithful with “little” and “much” (Luke 16:10). • Time - Schedule daily devotion; treat the clock as God’s gift (Ephesians 5:16). - Sabbath rest: steward your body and mind by honoring God’s rhythm (Exodus 20:8-11). • Gifts & Abilities - Identify skills; deploy them for edifying the church (1 Peter 4:10-11). - Pursue excellence—“whatever you do, work at it with all your heart” (Colossians 3:23). • Environment - Keep home, workplace, and community spaces orderly; creation care began in Eden (Genesis 2:15). - Reduce waste; model gratitude for God’s earth. • Church Property & Ministry Resources - Maintain buildings, equipment, and digital tools so worship is unhindered. - Screen ministry expenses; transparency fosters trust. Guarding Against Misuse - Stay alert to drift: what belongs in God’s house must not linger in Babylon (Revelation 18:4). - Seek wise counsel for major decisions (Proverbs 15:22). - Practice restitution if stewardship fails (Leviticus 6:4-5). Accountability & Reward - Regular evaluation with leaders or mentors (Hebrews 13:17). - Anticipate the Master’s audit: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). - Remember future stewardship of a “new heaven and new earth” (2 Peter 3:13). Key Verses to Keep Close - 1 Corinthians 4:2 — “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” - Luke 16:10 — “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” - Colossians 3:23-24 — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as for the Lord.” - 1 Peter 4:10 — “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” Closing Thoughts Like the temple vessels, every resource we touch already bears God’s name. Our task is simple yet weighty: take, go, and deposit each one where it furthers His worship, rebuilds His people, and magnifies His glory today. |
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