Ezra 6 – 10
Verse 6:3 focuses on putting the past behind us and rebuilding for a bright future:
In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be retained. Its height shall be sixty cubits and its breadth sixty cubits,
“Let the house be rebuilt” is the order by the king of Babylon and the Israelites realize it’s the way back to God. After being in exile they are allowed to return and rebuild their faith. This is one thing we see throughout the Bible, God may have strict standards but He is forgiving. If you remember Israel’s history to this point they have been shifting between faithful and way out of God’s intention. God returned to them time and time again when asked.
Like the Prodigal Son’s father, God is waiting with open arms for all of us to “rebuild” again. We just need to ask for forgiveness and humble ourselves before God. But what is true submission to God? I know often times I do contrite confessions making either global statements or just say forgive me for this sin I keep repeating. Sometimes I wonder if we get dragged through “it” to remind us who is holy and who is in control.
Verse 8:21 has Ezra order a fast:
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods.
Fasts are a difficult subject for many since eating is one of those necessary things we do, like breathing. Having just watched “Chasing Mavericks” about a surfer learning to surf the big waves, he learned how to go without breathing for over 4 minutes. He needed to train not for when things went right, but rather when the failed and the waves were pushing him down away from the air. Like that we need to “train” ourselves so we can go without food.
Now there are two times in the Bible where man appears to go 40 days without food or water; Moses on the mountain and Jesus in the wilderness. I wonder if they were not eating and drinking during this time. Doctors agree one can go without food for up to 8 weeks, if they have water. Most doctors agree even the most healthy humans can only go up to a week without water, and that’s assuming moderate temperatures, not the wilderness in the Middle East. I am not saying that Moses and Jesus did not survive without food or water, with God one can do this, but I would want a CLEAR sign that it would be ok before undertaking this.
Now fasting has been proven physiologically beneficial in cleaning toxins from one’s body. I think God initially wanted us to rest one day a week completely; this includes all intake of food and possibly water. Now this is what God set aside for the body so we can be healthy. The fast Ezra is doing is to remind us of God and his provisions. One really needs to include prayer in this case, otherwise it’s just a diet. Do this in private and don’t distort ones condition to bring attention to yourself, it’s between you and God!
Maybe it’s time to start rebuilding your temple and start with praying, fasting and repentance!!