Things a Church should understand concerning itself.
I. THAT IT IS ENGAGED IN THE SERVICE OF HEAVEN. "We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth" (Ezra 5:11).
1. An exalted service. It is the service of God.
2. An extensive service. It reaches in its influence throughout heaven and earth.
3. An arduous service. It is to rebuild a ruined temple in the midst of enemies.
4. A humble service. At best the Church is but a servant.
II. THAT IT HAS SUFFERED MUCH THROUGH THE COMMISSION OF SIN. "But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon" (Ezra 5:12). This is the best confession a Church can have; the Church is alone responsible for its weakness.
1. Its degradation. Israel is subject to a heathen power.
2. Its suffering. Israel is in captivity.
3. Its destruction. "Who destroyed this house." All this was attributable—
Let the Church understand and acknowledge that her sad condition before the world is due to her lack of fidelity; she must take the discredit of her broken temples.
III. THAT IT IS CONNECTED WITH THE HISTORY OF A WONDROUS REDEMPTION. "But in the first year of Cyrus" (Ezra 5:13).
1. The fact of redemption. The Israelites were delivered from Babylonian captivity. The Church has been set free by Christ.
2. The history of redemption. The history of Israel's deliverance was written in the records of Babylon. The history of redemption by Christ is written in the Bible; it is an earthly record as well as a heavenly history. It is in the annals of Babylon as well as in the annals of God.
3. The research of redemption. "Let there be search made" (Ezra 5:17; 1 Peter 1:12).
4. The pleasure of redemption. "And let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter." God's pleasure is man's freedom.
IV. THAT IT IS ENGAGED IN A YET UNFINISHED ENTERPRISE. "And since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished" (Ezra 5:16). It is indeed true that the Church is as yet engaged in an unfinished enterprise; all its temples are not built; its walls are not erected; Jesus does not yet see all things put under him.
1. The reason. Why is the work of the Church unfinished—is it from lack of energy or fidelity?
2. The duration. How long is it to remain unfinished? only God can tell. How long, O Lord?
3. The reproach. With so many workmen, and with the aid received, the work of the Church ought to be more advanced. The half finished walls are a rebuke to us.
4. The requirement. We must go with new determination and more fervent prayer to complete the work of the Church.
5. Caution. We cannot judge the temple till it is finished; the work of God will appear best at the end.
6. The anticipation. When the top stone of the great temple shall be brought on with joy. Let us build to completion.—E.
Ezra
Ezra 5 - ezra-5 - worlddic.com