Conscripted Missionaries

I gathered them at the river that flows to Ahava, and we camped there for three days. I searched among the people and priests, but found no Levites there. Then I summoned the leaders: Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, as well as the teachers Joiarib and Elnathan. I sent them to Iddo, the leader at Caisphia, with a message for him and his brothers, the temple servants at Casiphia, that they should bring us ministers for the house of our God. Since the gracious hand of our God was on us, they brought us Sherebiah- a man of insight from the descendants of Mali, a descendant of Levi son of Israel- along with his sons and brothers, 18 men, plus Hashabiah, along with Jeshaiah, from the descendants of Merari, and his brothers and sons, 20 men. There were also 220 temple servants, who had been appointed by David and the leaders for the work of the Levites. All were identified by name. Ezra 8:15-20

To rebuild a temple and not have those to minister in it would have been a huge oversight. Yet Ezra is diligent and as the appointed leaders was able to request ministers for the temple. This was no small matter, these people had to travel 900 mile journey at short notice. These men would need to pack up their families and their belongings quickly. I imagine these same men had debated among themselves and their families as to whether they would go in the first place. Now they had no option, they were going.

At times we are unsure about our path and the path ahead may seem very long and fraught with danger. However, with God in control all will be well, if we trust Him for the outcome.

Giving up the comfort of home is another challenge, along with friends and relatives. This is something all missionaries must face but after time their love for those they went for will outweigh those they leave behind.

I have a friend who has been a missionary in Japan for 25 years now. I have had the priveledge of visiting her twice and loved it. Although she has family at home her heart is in Japan and what God has called her to do. As she needs people to come and support her, God sends them.

What is God calling you to do? You can trust Him for the adventure, the future and those left behind. Amen!