Last week, we studied the book of Nehemiah in our NCCF Bible-study. A very powerful testimony about a man who is an epitome of visionarian, selflessness, goal-oriented and God-fearing. More on this later.
Out of curiousity, I started reading the book of Ezra last night. I'm told the two books used to be one. As I got to chapter 2, I was about to jump to the next chapter when three verses caught my attention.
You see, this chapter of Ezra focused on giving account of the list of people who returned back from exile. So it listed names, numbers etc.
However, in verses 61-63 of Ezra Chapter 2, we are introduced to the three families of priests whose genealogical record could not be found. This led to their disqualification from the priesthood.
Ezra 2:61-63:
"The families of Habaiah, Hakkoz, and Barzillai could not prove that they were priests. The ancestor of the family of Barzillai had married the daughter of Barzillai from Gilead and had taken his wife's name. But the records of these three families could not be found, and none of them were allowed to serve as priests. In fact, the governor told them, "You cannot eat the food offered to God until we find out if you really are priests."
Friends, their story ended in that verse. The next verse that followed did not record the outcome of the investigation. Was their record found and their priesthood restored?
I slept on this and woke up early hours of this morning with an urge to pray. Would you like to pray with me? Here are the prayer points:
1. Repentance: Lord if there is any way I might have derailed from you, I repent. Forgive me, purify me and grant me your grace to live above sin.
Lord, do not let me suffer any setback because of the sins of my ancestors. I declare that I'm a new creature in Christ! (Psalm 79:8).
2. Restoration: Lord Jesus, have mercy and restore your favor upon me and my family. Restore unto us the joy of your salvation. When the accusser(s) come with a list to condemn us before you and men, let the blood of Jesus answer in our stead. I declare there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! (2 Corinthians 5:21).
3. Lord, remember us for good. In our workplace/school, let us not suffer any setback. Where there have been cases of missing records, let there be restoration. Where men are plotting to deny us what is ours, Lord God let their plotting be in vain. (Isaiah 54:17).
4. Every decree that has been uttered against me and my family, Lord let there be a reversal in Jesus name! Instead of curses, I receive blessings because God's hand is upon me! Let policies of government and those in authority work in our favor! (Numbers 23:20-23).
5. Lord, let your light shine through us like never before. Let us not be found wanting in our place of primary assignment/in our God-given vision. Give us boldness to influence others into God's Kingdom. Grant us the grace to be a living example! (1 Timothy 4:12).
Thank God for answered prayer!
Praise God for liberation! Praise God for victory!
