Lessons From Ezraಮಾದರಿ

Playing the Long Game

Are any of you men planners?

Long-term strategists who see a goal, no matter how far in the future, and make a plan on how to get there?

Goals that are on the horizon are some of the most difficult goals to achieve. Not only are they sometimes challenging to envision, but they also require the determination to maintain a plan despite the changes that life may (and inevitably will) throw at us.

The difficult nature of long-term goals is nothing new. It's why crash diets are easy and permanent lifestyle changes are far more difficult. It’s why climbing a mountain is easier than being a mountain climber.

Determination is easy in small doses, but difficult in the long term.

Read today’s verse again. Do you see the time markers that are present there? Not only did the project of rebuilding last through the ministries of two different prophets, but also through the reigns of three different Persian rulers. Those few words encapsulate a great deal of time.

The significance of this statement should not be overlooked. There are, as we have been suggesting this week, two sides of determination represented here.

Israel stayed faithful to the task that had been given to them. Even in the face of opposition and the passage of what may have seemed like too much time, they continued their efforts to restore Jerusalem. They rebuilt the altar and began the prescribed sacrifices. They restored the Temple so that Israel could worship her God.

This required them to stay the course over the long haul.

God was with them the entire time. His presence and support were demonstrated by His moving in the hearts of the Persian rulers, causing them to decree that a conquered people could return and rebuild. He was with Israel through the encouragement and ministry of the prophets. God did not leave His people alone with a command. He was with them throughout the lengthy time and the struggles.

Following Jesus presents the same kind of difficulty. It is, in Eugene Peterson’s words, “a long obedience in the same direction.”

But God has not called us and left us to figure it out. Through the reading of Scripture, the community of fellow believers, and the presence and guidance of the Spirit, God stays beside us, guiding us to the completion of His plans.

Prayer: God, thank You for calling me to be a man more like Jesus. Thank You for not leaving me alone to struggle there on my own. Please help me to stay the course with my transformation into being more like Your Son. Amen.

Reflection: Share an account of God’s faithfulness in your faith journey with someone this week!