series: Shining His Light #
verse: Ezra 6:19-22 #
Introduction: #
Difficult and hopeless situations are a struggle that many of us face. Especially when there’s nothing that we can do about it. And the Israelites face this as well when they are on their own for 70 years.
Main Idea: #
Though the Israelites were struggling tremendously, as it says in the text, the Israelites were filled with joy and “A light” from God during their hardest times.
1. What is an open door from God? #
It’s not an exit from hardship, but an entrance into a relationship with God.
We often define “open doors” as ways out of hardship, or doors into prosperity: we see them as visible improvements in our lives. But this is simply wrong.
An open door is actually an entrance into worshipping God. The Israelites in the passage went back to traditional ceremonial practices to give thanks to God. They were reminding themselves that God was faithful to them, and that they belonged to God. And the reason why they did all of this is because God change to King of Syria’s heart to support the rebuilding of the temple. The “open door” had a direct impact on the reignition of the Israelites’ relationship with God. The reason why God even opens these doors isn’t to give us comfort, or free us from hardship. It’s simply to draw us nearer to him.
2. Draw yourself closer to God, and stop drawing towards distractions #
The Israelites showed their dedication to God by going through the Passover sacrifical processes. Where they would have to slaughter their favorite lamb, which is the equivalent of us sacrificing our loving pets. The physical, emotional, and spirtiual pain is how portrays the dangers of sin. We need to draw towards the open door, when we see it. There’s so many opportunities to draw near to God. Community groups, events, bible studies, prayer times, etc. God doesn’t open up these opportunities for any other reason than to draw nearer to him. Accept his invitation and grow in your faith.
3. How does God’s open door change us? #
God’s open door turns fear into joy by refocusing our hearts onto him. The joy that we receive via accepting God’s invitation is one that is rooted in Jesus. And it’s an everlasting joy that cannot be removed. The open door itself isn’t about the outcome. These things can still change. That new job, that blessed opportunity, whatever it may be. Your joy and happiness should be grounded in the fact that God is working and is with us. God invites us to trust and accept him and only him. Not the things that he provides.