In what ways does Ezra 3:3 inspire courage in practicing our faith today? Setting the Scene After seventy years of exile, a small remnant returns to the ruins of Jerusalem. Before walls are rebuilt or homes restored, they choose first to reconstruct the altar—the heart of their worship. Reading Ezra 3:3 “They set up the altar on its foundation and offered burnt offerings upon it to the LORD, both the morning and evening burnt offerings, though they feared the people of the land.” Facing Fear with Worship • Danger was real. Neighboring peoples were hostile, and Israel’s numbers were small. • Yet the first public act was to re-establish daily sacrifice—an open declaration that the LORD alone is God. • Worship became their shield: fear acknowledged, but faith expressed even louder. Courage Lessons for Today • Obedience precedes security – They built the altar before constructing protective walls. – Today, we choose obedience to Christ even when circumstances still look unsafe. (Matthew 6:33) • Public faith, not private retreat – The altar stood in plain view. – We live out the gospel openly—at work, at school, online—rather than hiding devotion. (Matthew 5:14-16) • Daily rhythms strengthen resolve – Morning and evening offerings kept their hearts aligned with God. – Consistent Scripture reading and prayer anchor us against cultural pressure. • Fear acknowledged, not denied – “Though they feared” shows courage is acting while afraid. – We confess anxieties yet step forward, trusting God. (Psalm 56:3-4) • Foundation matters – They rebuilt on the original foundation laid centuries earlier. – Our foundation is Christ and the unchanging Word. (1 Corinthians 3:11) Supporting Scriptures • Joshua 1:9 — “Be strong and courageous... for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” • 2 Timothy 1:7 — “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” • Acts 4:19-20 — Peter and John refuse silence despite threats. • Hebrews 13:6 — “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” • Proverbs 29:25 — “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” Personal Application • Start the day by “setting the altar”: brief worship before checking messages or news. • Identify one area where fear mutes your witness; take a simple, visible step of obedience there this week. • Memorize a courage verse (e.g., 2 Timothy 1:7) and recite it whenever anxiety surfaces. • Gather regularly with other believers; corporate worship magnifies bravery just as Israel’s community altar did. • Recall that courage is not absence of fear but trust-filled action—exactly what Ezra 3:3 models for every generation. |
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