Rebuilding Together #7: filling up with God’s Word
Opening: God wants His children to enjoy the fullness of life.
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10b)
Physical wall & Spiritual wall
“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statues and rules in Israel.” (Ezra 7:10)
I. FILLING UP TO BE LED.
“And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel.” (8:1)
The first day of the seventh month – New Year, The Feast of Trumpet
II. FILLING UP TO BE CLEANSED.
“They and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments.” (9:16)
“Behold, we are slaves this day; in the land that you gave to our fathers to enjoy its fruit and its good gifts, behold, we are slaves.” (9:36)
“But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them.” (9:17b)
III. FILLING UP TO BE RESTORED WITH JOY.
“And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen,’ lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.” (8:6)
“Then he said to them, ‘Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (8:10)
Closing: Filling up with God’s word leads to fullness of God’s strength and joy.