Renewal in the Works

Ezra 1 presents renewal as God’s sovereign, grace-filled work that begins not with human effort but rather with hearts stirred by Him. Set in the aftermath of exile, Ezra opens with God fulfilling His promises by moving a pagan king, Cyrus, to send His people home, showing that He rules history, keeps His word, and pursues His people even in the ruin of their sinful disobedience. True renewal is not merely escape from hardship or external rebuilding, but a return to worship, obedience, and dependence on God. Ultimately, the book of Ezra points beyond temple restoration to heart restoration, finding its fullest fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who entered our ruins, bore our exile, and brings lasting renewal by grace.