What practical steps can we take to ensure our names are remembered by God? Ezra’s Roll Call and Why It Matters Ezra 2:32 records “the men of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, 725.” One short verse, yet each name counted, each life remembered. God saw every family that chose obedience over comfort and preserved their names forever in Scripture. That same God still notices, still records, and still remembers. What God Looks For When He Writes a Name • Faith that enters covenant: John 3:36; Romans 10:9 • Reverence that treasures His Word: Malachi 3:16 • Perseverance that overcomes: Revelation 3:5 • Service that builds His house: 1 Corinthians 15:58 Practical Steps to Have a Name God Remembers • Embrace saving faith in Christ – “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). • Publicly identify with God’s people – Like Judah’s exiles, join, not watch; baptism and faithful fellowship make that commitment visible (Acts 2:41–42). • Commit to rebuild what sin has broken – The returnees restored the temple; we restore worship, families, and communities (1 Peter 2:5). • Cultivate holy living – “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19). Turn from every practice that stains the testimony of His name. • Serve with glad diligence – Ezra’s list highlights workers, gatekeepers, singers. Find your post and fill it (Colossians 3:23–24). • Give generously to God’s work – Ezra 2:69 shows freewill offerings. Generosity leaves a legacy Heaven notices (Matthew 6:20). • Speak often about the Lord – Malachi 3:16 says a “scroll of remembrance” was written for those who “spoke with one another” about Him. Use your words to honor, not hide, your faith. • Endure setbacks without quitting – Exiles faced opposition yet pressed on (Ezra 4–6). Hold the line; God writes down the finishers, not the starters (Hebrews 10:36). Living the List Today Every ordinary choice—trusting Christ, showing up, giving, serving—adds ink to Heaven’s ledger. God’s roll call still grows, and He delights to write down all who fear Him and honor His Son. Stay faithful, stay known, and your name will echo in eternity just as surely as the 725 from Lod, Hadid, and Ono. |
    |