7 Key Principles from Ezra & Nehemiah

Living as Exiles in a
​World That's Not Our Home

The story of the Jewish exiles returning to rebuild Jerusalem, as recorded in Ezra and Nehemiah, offers several profound lessons for believers today. Among other important lessons, this historical account reminds us of God’s faithfulness, the challenges of obedience, and the call to live with an eternal focus. The experiences of the exiles, in many ways, mirror our own spiritual journey as we navigate life in a world that is not our true home. 

​Let's first look at the historical context: The Jews had faced two national exiles in the Old Testament, the Assyrian Exile in 722 BC, when the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered, and the Babylonian Exile in 586 BC, when the southern kingdom of Judah fell and Jerusalem was destroyed.

After decades in Babylonian captivity, the Jews were allowed to return under Persian rule, led by kings like Cyrus. The task before them was immense: to rebuild the temple and city walls while under constant threat and opposition. While their journey parallels earlier “exile-like” events, such as bondage in Egypt and their eventual deliverance by God, yet even in their freedom, they faced distractions.

​Numbers 11:4-6 captures this human tendency:

“Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”

(And by the way, being the "foodie" that I am, this passage is the one I lean on regularly whenever I find myself falling into any kind of discontent trap—so much so that I have committed it to memory!)

Their struggle serves as a timeless reminder for us: God’s people are called to resist the comfort of what is familiar and remain steadfast in obedience and service. And that friend, is relevant for us today as well! Just like the Jewish exiles, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, resisting the pull of worldly distractions and comfort. We are in a world that is not our permanent home, and the lessons from Ezra and Nehemiah offer valuable guidance on how to live faithfully as exiles. Let's look at seven key principles that we can apply to our lived today.

1. This World is Not Our Home

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:2-3

The Jews were often focused on things of this earth, not on things above.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. How does knowing that our true home is with Christ impact your priorities?
2. Are there areas where worldly comfort has distracted you from God’s calling?

Challenge: Write out one step you can take this week to refocus on eternity.

2. God Commands Us to Resist Discouragement

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Sometimes, fear looks bigger than our God, but He and His promises are bigger than our fear.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. What fears or discouragements are you currently facing?
2. How can Christ’s endurance (Hebrews 12:3) inspire you to remain strong?

Challenge: Memorize a verse that helps you combat fear and discouragement this week.

3. Consider Your Ways

“Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts [Jehovah Sabaoth]: Consider your ways.” Haggai 1:5

The Jews faced opposition and misplaced priorities, neglecting God’s work for their own.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. How can you ensure your priorities align with God’s?
2. In what ways do we sometimes focus on personal success over God’s mission?

​Challenge: Pray for God to reveal any areas where your priorities need realignment.

4. The Lord Yearns for Our Fellowship

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy.” Zechariah 8:2

God's jealousy for us reflects His protective love and desire for our undivided devotion.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. What does it mean that God is “zealous” for our fellowship?
2. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God throughout the week?

Challenge: Set aside intentional time this week to seek God’s presence.

5. Obeying God’s Word Without Shortcuts

“Be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God." Romans 12:1-2

True obedience is costly, it's sacrificial, but the outcome is transformational.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Why does God call us to complete obedience?
2. Are there areas where you’ve been tempted to take shortcuts in following God’s Word?

Challenge: Identify an area where you struggle with obedience and pray for strength to follow God.

6. Service, Especially When It’s Costly

“Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14

Like Nehemiah, Esther served God at great personal cost, sacrificing comfort and facing opposition.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. How has Nehemiah’s or Esther’s example of service inspired you?​
2. What sacrifices might God be calling you to make for His purposes?

Challenge: Look for a way to serve sacrificially this week, supporting others in prayer and action.

7. Be Alert and Prepared for Battle

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8-9

Paul also encourages us to take up the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:17).

Ask yourself these questions:

1. How can we remain watchful and alert in our spiritual walk?​
2. How does God’s armor equip us for the challenges we face?

Challenge: Commit to praying for spiritual strength and vigilance this week.

Which of theses seven principles stood out to you the most? I hope you'll take a moment today to identify one way you can intentionally implement that principle into your life this week. Let us remember that, like the Jewish exiles, we also are called to obedience, service, and vigilance. As we journey through this world, may we keep our eyes fixed on Christ and His eternal Kingdom. Let’s rebuild—our faith, our focus, and our commitment to God’s work—just as the exiles rebuilt Jerusalem.

​How can the story of the exiles rebuilding Jerusalem inspire you to rebuild areas of your life where faith, focus, or commitment to God’s work may have wavered?

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