DAILY DEVOTIONAL

READ EZRA 3:1 THROUGH 5:17

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 (Ezra 3:3).

Peer pressure can be a powerful force—even for adults.

Today’s passage says the time had come for the Israelites to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Scripture indicates that they knew this would anger people who did not follow God.

They started the job anyway, not knowing what the outcome would be. This must have been frightening, considering they had been captives before. But they continued the task, doing what they knew was right.

Like the Israelites, Christians sometimes receive calls or tasks from God that bother unbelieving observers. Sometimes simply living out the precepts of God’s Word angers others. You may face intimidation, disdain, and even persecution.

You can back down or, like the Israelites, you can be faithful to God.

Thought for Today: Doing what’s right is not always popular, but it is worthwhile.

Quicklook: Ezra 3:1–6

Author: AOG general