Ezra 7:1-28

Reference:  v.13 Now I decree that any of the Israelites in my kingdom, including priests and Levites, who wish to go to Jerusalem with you, may go. (NIV Bible)

Explore:  Everyone deals with change differently.  Some people delight in change and jump on board immediately; some people are hesitant to begin with but are soon convinced and agree with the change; some people dislike the change and only transition once the change has already happened and they see the benefits; some people refuse to change altogether.  One of the biggest changes I was a part of was moving the time of a worship service from the morning to the afternoon.  We were very careful to explain this change thoroughly and give people the opportunity to share their thoughts, but there were still differing responses to the change.  Some people thought this was a great idea and couldn’t wait for the change to happen, while other people threatened to leave the church.  Looking back now it doesn’t seem like such a big issue but during the change process there were some challenging moments.

Application:  The city of Jerusalem was not rebuilt in one day.  There were some people who were there right at the beginning, some people came along a little later, others took years to make the transition, and I’m sure there were others who decided to remain in exile.  However you look at it, change is inevitable.  Even for those who decided not to leave Babylon and go back to Jerusalem would have still dealt with change as they readjusted to those leaving.  Likewise, change is inevitable for us.  As the world we live in changes, as we learn more about what it is to be a follower of Christ, we will need to adjust and adapt.  But that gives us the opportunity to be more like Jesus each day.  Change can often be challenging and difficult but if we are changing our lives to be more like Jesus then that is a worthy change.  There are always changes that can take place in our lives to help us to focus on God and focus less on ourselves. 

Prayer:  Lord, change can be difficult for all of us sometimes.  Help us to see your hand in our lives so that we can change to be more like You.  Amen.

What is a change that has happened in your life recently?  How has that impacted your life?