Verses 1-6 – God was stirring the spirit of Cyrus to decree Israel’s return to Jerusalem. The decree was for God’s people Jews to rebuild the temple as they had not worshipped God in the temple for the last seventy years while in exile. God stirred the spirit of the people as well. A small group of people responded and returned with Zerubbabel in the first return from Babylon. The majority chose to stay back but supported the returnees with what they could for their journey and the rebuilding of the temple.  

God’s Spirit was at work back then and today as well. If He has stirred your heart to follow and serve Him, what will your response be? Will you choose to follow and serve Him, or would you choose to stay where you are?

The journey back to Jerusalem was difficult and even dangerous. Jerusalem was ruined by Nebuchadnezzar after he conquered it. They had no relatives or houses to return to and no resources or people to help them rebuild the temple. They were surrounded by hostile people around instead. It was a costly price to pay to uproot to go back. All they could do was to trust God to protect and provide for them. 

If it was you, would you be willing to step out in faith and obedience to God?

Verses 7-11 – Cyrus gave Sheshbazzar the items Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple to bring back to the temple. They were a substantial amount. He could have kept them in his treasury for himself, but he chose to return them to God. Who was Sheshbazzar? Some said he was Zerubbabel’s partner. Others said Zerubbabel and Sheshbazzar were the same person. The latter was his official name as a governor. The former was his Chaldean name which meant joy in affliction and a stranger in Babylon, a reminder of his humble origin. 

However, what was important here was the return what belonged to God as what belongs to God must be returned to the One who is our Maker, Savior, and King. Worship is not just giving praise or tithing to Him. It is more importantly giving ourselves as a living sacrifice. Paul said in Romans 12:1-2. We are to worship with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength because He deserves all our worship. 

A pagan king had set an example who acted generously to his subjects and to God.  As Christians, we must be even more generous to God by giving ourselves to Him and to love one another. Generosity is an act of love, the fruit of the Spirit that is given to us. Jesus said by our love all men will know that we are His disciples. 

We return our worship to God with our lives as a true worshipper. Worship Him wholeheartedly by living our lives sacrificially and generously to Him as a way of life. 

Are you willing to give of your life wholly to God for His use?

Prayer: Lord, I offer my life as a living sacrifice as my worship of You. Give me a willing heart to choose to do as You instruct us to worship You alone and not to have other gods in my life. I return to You what belongs to You including my life as my Maker, King, and Savior!