Renovation of God’s Things_02 Ezra 1:7-11 The list of vessels taken from the Temple by the Babylonians and now restored to Israel to be used once more in the renewed Temple v. 7, 9-1I is a reminder of the splendor of the Temple in previous times. Nevertheless, almost 50,000 Jews decided to return 49,897 to be exact; Ezra 2:64-65. But note what was behind their decision to return.The LORD moved their hearts v.5.Their neighbors willingly gave them financial aid, supplies, and livestock, as well as freewill offerings.Their gifts were to be used for the rebuilding of the homes, society, and temple of the nation. The preparation for the returning exiles is a striking picture for us. Their preparation shows us how we must be prepared to serve the LORD. We must be prepared spiritually to serve God just as they were prepared spiritually. God’s Holy Word gives us at least seven ways to prepare ourselves for service: We must first be saved through the Lord Jesus Christ. We must ask the Lord to create a clean heart and to renew a right spirit within us. We must put off the old man and put on the new man. We must present our bodies as a living sacrifice to the Lord and not be conformed to this world. We must obey God and follow His leadership, the stirrings of His Spirit within our heart. We must seek those things that are above, the heavenly things of God. We must pray continually, seeking the Lord for strength and waiting upon Him to renew our strength. We must put on the whole armor of God so that we can stand against all temptations and trials. We must trust the Lord with all our heart and acknowledge Him in all our ways. We must be prepared materially to serve the Lord.