The Return Of Ezra Series

B. The Reckoning (33-34)

[33] Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites; [34] By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was written at that time.

• As promised, there is a time of reckoning.

• We too have been entrusted with talents.

• There will be a reckoning day!

• We want to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.”

• I am sure that Ezra commended these men for their work.

ILLUS: We have a whole list of officers. For some it is nothing more than a name on a paper. For others, there is nominal effort. For some, the work is done as unto God! You will be figured out for what you are after a while. But more importantly, God knows. And HIS reckoning day is coming.

Mat 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Rom 14:10 . . . for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Rom 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

C. The Renewal (35)

[35] Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the Lord.

• children of those ... carried away – Those who came with Ezra.

• burnt offerings – an offering of thanksgiving for the safe journey.

• sin offering – the first offering that these had been able in their WHOLE LIFETIME to offer according to God’s instructions in God’s appointed place!

• What joy this must have brought.

• It always does when we get back to doing things God’s way!

ILLUS: Revival at Greer Baptist Camp Meeting. People made amends with one another and God poured into that place.

D. The Report (36)

[36] And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered [NOTE: Lit., “lifted up”] the people, and the house of God.

• They recount to the Trans Euphrates governors the commands sent by Artaxerxes.

• We saw the content of that letter in Ezra 7:21-26.

Ezr 7:21-26 And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily, (22) Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much. (23) Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? (24) Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them. (25) And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not. (26) And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.