I Hate When I Do That

Read Ezra 1:1–2:70

1. Here is the list of the Jewish exiles of the provinces who returned from their captivity. King Nebuchadnezzar had deported them to Babylon, but now they returned to Jerusalem and the other towns in Judah where they originally lived. . . .
64. A total of 42,360 people returned to Judah,
65. in addition to 7,337 servants and 200 singers, both men and women.
66. They took with them 736 horses, 245 mules,
67. 435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys.
68. When they arrived at the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, some of the family leaders made voluntary offerings toward the rebuilding of God’s Temple on its original site,
69. and each leader gave as much as he could. The total of their gifts came to 61,000 gold coins, 6,250 pounds of silver, and 100 robes for the priests. Ezra 2:1, 64-69

Ajoke has been made out of the phrase, “I hate when I do that.” That sentiment pokes fun at a truth about ourselves. The truth is that sometimes we regret what we voluntarily do. What in your life makes you say, “I hate when I do that”?

Israel often hurt itself through poor choices and wrong actions. Despite their regrets, God always gave them another chance. In this reading, the first group of exiles returns to the land of Israel after having been in captivity for forty-eight years. They suddenly get the opportunity to return—and a second chance—as Cyrus offers them safe passage back to rebuild the Temple. The heads of families along with the priests and Levites lead the way. This is more than a trip—it’s a commitment to change. As you read, look for signs of God’s love and forgiveness, and learn the lesson of the second chance.

In this passage, you will find these other lessons: hope and new beginnings; the importance of teamwork; God’s protection; and giving.

After forty-eight years of captivity, God’s arrogant people had been humbled. When the people’s attitudes and desires changed, God ended their punishment and gave them another opportunity to go home and try again.

Major changes occur on the inside when God works on our attitudes, beliefs, and desires. These inner changes lead to faithful actions. Paul wrote, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (Philippians 2:13). Doing God’s will begins with one’s desires.

Are you willing to be humble, to be open to God’s opportunities, and to move at his direction? Ask God to give you the desire to follow him more closely. He’s giving you another chance to change your mind. Change your desires and attitude to want to follow God.