Everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. (Ezra 1:5)
Expanded Passage: Ezra 1:4-6
Large families are often depicted in the media as sources of stress and chaos. Mothers-in-law are overbearing and meddling; children are rebellious and ungrateful; fathers are unreliable and dull; aunts and uncles are poor role models. The list is endless. But God did not design families to be dysfunctional. Recently, my daughter married a lovely young man. His family, like ours, is large and unwieldy, which inevitably meant a beautifully chaotic wedding. Without prompting, the bride’s family, led by her uncles, stepped into the middle of the chaos any time they saw something unraveling. They took charge and accomplished much. It’s what good families do.
The children of Israel similarly worked together. In this case, it was to bring about God’s plan. They approached the task of building God’s temple organically and selflessly. They gave of their time, their money, and their resources. As a family, God’s children, they worked together to accomplish his will. Even their neighbors were inspired to follow their lead and to help them, selflessly following their example.
In our families—individual and church—we must reclaim this type of devotion to one another, setting an example of selfless fidelity that builds the kingdom. When we are willing to follow God’s appointed leaders, and when we work together as a good and loving family, God’s plans will prevail.
Be willing to work together to accomplish God’s plan.
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®.
