Despite Their Fear

Turn with me, if you would, please, to Ezra 3:3 "Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices." (NIV)

WOW - did I get hit with a revelation reading this passage today! Here they are, back from exile, fully knowing that it was only because the Lord allowed them to return. They were unfamilar with the people around them, and yet, they knew they needed to build an altar and worship the Lord their God in thanksgiving for His bringing them back from exile. They were afraid, yet they were so grateful to God, they risked everything to worship Him. Morning and evening!

Here is what hit me . . . how many times do we not bow our heads in prayer over a meal in public, because of "what others might think/say"? How many times to we not turn away when the conversation turns off color, just because we may be afraid of what someone may say, think, or do?

"Father God, forgive my faultering heart. Help me to stay focused upon You and You alone. Let me not be ashamed EVER to testify of Your love, Your grace and Your provision. May my life be an altar upon which many sacrifices are made in the presence even of those around who may not understand. Let me not be afraid, but as Your dear children, "despite the fear" go forward to boldly proclaim Your Name. amen"

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