Listen to today’s devo!

Moreover, King Cyrus brought out the articles belonging to the temple of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away. (Ezra 1:7)

Expanded Passage: Ezra 1:7-11

Consistent investments made over time yield results. Several years ago, my husband and I were led to a small group Bible study that explained how this financial principle works in relationships as well. We must invest often, wait for growth, and withdraw rarely. Occasionally, we lose our treasure altogether—it is stolen from us, and all we can do is pray, wait, and hope to see it returned. This is true of financial matters, and it is certainly true of relationships: in marriages, with children, and in the workplace.

After a very long wait, the children of Israel saw their silver and gold returned. This treasure was a stolen investment, “articles” belonging to the Lord that would, in turn, be used to build the temple. In other translations, “articles” of gold and silver are called “vessels” of gold and silver. In the New Testament, Paul spoke of Christ followers as earthen vessels (or “jars of clay”) that proclaim the gospel (2 Cor. 4:7). As vessels of the good news, it is through his Spirit that we become the hands and feet of Christ, children compelled to pour ourselves out to build the kingdom.

We must be aware that our greatest earthly treasures are the relationships that we build here on earth. It is not simply silver and gold that will build the kingdom of God; but rather, it is his people.

Invest in relationships to build Christ’s kingdom.

Dalene Fisher is a full-time wife, mother, and grandma. She is a former associate professor of English, dean, and assistant provost at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.