Q1. Motivation to Return

[Michele Downing]

In my research I found that this was God ordained! Of course, God had touched the heart of of King Cyrus to free them.  According to my research after about 70 years of captivity in Babylon they were given the opportunity to return to their homeland, The Promised Land.  Out of the two or three million Jews that had been deported from the Land, only 50, 000 decided to return and that's a very small percentage.  In fact, it is only about 2%.  However they did return and in the days of Ezra they rebuilt the temple and laid a spiritual foundation for Israel once again.

So the reason that the others did not return was because they had no desire because they had settled in the land and were quite comfortable and had no desire to return.  It is said that they still followed the God of their Fathers, but they did it their in the settled land.  The other reason was because they did not want to leave their possessions.

Some of the characteristics were that the people that returned were only counted by the heads of the household.  So in essence it could have been more or less that actually returned.  The ones that did return had a desire to return to their homeland and they had a great respect for God.

The people that stayed in Babylon had settles and were apparently happy there so they had no real desire to return to their homeland.  They also did not want to leave their possessions as things were going pretty good for them.

Some folk have a hard time answering the call of Christ because they feel inadequate or they feel like they would have to give up too much to follow Christ; when in reality their lives would line up with the WILL of God for their life.  I believe that once you answer the call your purpose comes into focus and your walk with Christ is more defined.

Characteristics of True Disciples:

Loves Jesus above everyone and everything, selflessness and sacrifice, humility and modesty, dedicated to following Christ and the commandments, is not easily influenced by the world, has self-control in their emotions and actions, lives the Word, Profess the Word regularly and effectively, Lives as Christ did, Recognizes that they need God's strength to be a true disciple.

[Rmurr]

Many were looking in anticipation for the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophesy.  They longed and wept by the waters of Babylon as they remembered Zion.  Those of devout faith and their ancestors awaited God's call to return.  Maybe they were a remnant chosen by God.

As others have mentioned, those who did not return may have been too old or may have become complacent...or just comfortable in their "new" life.  Or, maybe they drifted from their faith in God all together...assimilating into a pagan faith.

Those who follow Jesus' call into a radically different lifestyle or mission are those who have surrendered all and been obedient to God's leading.  They "walk with God", they hear His voice and they follow. 

[Zilka]

Q1. (Ezra 1:5-6) Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon? Why do only some answer Jesus’ call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? What are the characteristics of true disciples?

We believe our Glorious kingdom, His Name is Jesus Christ.

We know Him in Holy Spirit, He has biggest power to make miracle in the world until now.Amin.

My opinion from Ezra 1 Show us The characteristics of true disciples to understand about God, His love and

His preparation to rebuild House of God in Jerusalem.

Very interessting the Story from Cyrus was a king of Persia helps some People from Exiles return in Jerusalem.

"In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah,

the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing" (Ezra 1:1).

I think God has plan for everybody , to prepare us go return to rebuild  House of God in our small Jerusalem,amin.

 

 

 

[alouise9815]

Some of the people decided to stay behind because they had become comfortable where they were. Did not want to take on the task of re-building. Starting over can be difficult for some people, because they are not flexible.

 

[charisbarak]

They were the ones God called.  Not sure if it was those who answered God's call--assuming He called all of them.....

The ones who returned were obviously committed.  The others didn't carry that burden....

Sometimes out of fear, talked themselves out of it, comfortable where they were....

True disciples hear God's voice & seek to obey Him and share Him with others.  He is their priority.

[jmndungu]

The ones who return  are the those who had faith in God and took action by obeying His word . Faith without works is dead . They  were selfless  and saw God bigger vision for Jerusalem 

For those who did not return  they were comfortable  in their status quo. They were so full of them selves. 

Same with us Christians  if we are to fully to fellow Christ  and do what He has called us to do on this earth it call us to radical sacrificial obedience 

[Neil NRG]

On 8/16/2017 at 7:16 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q1. (Ezra 1:5-6) Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon? Why do only some answer Jesus’ call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? What are the characteristics of true disciples?

Why only some return? "everyone whose heart God had moved' Some had created a comfortable life in Babylon and did not want to risk returning to rebuild again. They were afraid of what might confront them in Israel, yet those who did go had faith that this opportunity through Cyrus was of God and were reminded of Jeremiah's prophesy. They listened to the words and encouragement of their spiritual leaders, such as Haggai and  and Zechariah. Some may have remained to continue to financially support the pioneers that returned, but most of the support came from the King of Persia (Cyrus, then Darius) and some wealthy families of those who returned.

Characteristics? Those that returned were close to God and had faith in His Words about their promised land. Many of those that stayed were more consumed with their lifestyle in Babylon and not God's eternal promises.

Answering the call? Many answered the call - 'everyone whose heart God had moved.' Mostly this means those who were prepared and ready for God's call, a love of God and a heart ready to listen to God. 

True disciples? A key characteristic is a heart open and ready to hear God's call. Someone full of faith, keen to learn and to become more like Jesus. Lord, continue to build in me a heart such as these pioneers.

[Richard Hawkins]

On 8/15/2017 at 5:16 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q1. (Ezra 1:5-6) Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon? Why do only some answer Jesus’ call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? What are the characteristics of true disciples?

The Hebrews in Egypt, who were comfortable with the Egyptians gods and Egyptian foods had to be forced out of Egypt. The Hebrews in Babylon were comfortable and many chose to stay. Those who returned to Jerusalem had to be rewarded to help them in their journey. I suppose they weren't a prosperous.

Those who followed Jesus were the poor. Those with wealth weren't willing to give up their wealth and follow Jesus. True disciples are willing to give up all in the cause of Christ.

[Sapphire]

The Spirit of God moved upon the hearts of those who were supposed to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Some may have  stayed behind because it was now a familiar place to them, they may have become complacent, some too weary to begin all over again. Some may have embraced idol worship and forgotten about their commitment to the true and living God. Not everyone will follow the Lord to the end, some fall by the wayside or become snared by the things of the world.  The Babylonian way of life may have appeared much better or easier to some of the Jewish people. True disciples endure to the end, endure hardship as soldiers of the Cross of Christ, and never look back but always keep pressing forward, knowing that it will all be worth it in the end.

 

[Ganti Vivek]

a) Only some returned to Jerusalem, because they have taken up the call from the Lord and are preparing to return and longing to go. 

 Those who returned had the spirit to see their home land and the temple of their God, they may be having an attitude of devoted faith. For those who stayed back may have got well settled with good farming and lands etc, have no desire to start all over again, they may be afraid of changes and are scared to go out from safe zones, they are not aware they are chosen people of the God and God wants them to return to  their home land.

c) Only few answer the Jesus call to follow Him because people are very possessive of the worldly things and are unable detach themselves from them and follow Jesus by leaving everything behind.

d) True characteristics of a true discipleship is to take ones cross and follow and do the thing told by Jesus to do and reflect Him in us so that through works His name is glorified.

 

[WinstonY]

Q1. (Ezra 1:5-6) Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon? Why do only some answer Jesus’ call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? What are the characteristics of true disciples?

 it would appear that some we're on interested in going to Jerusalem but what up to stay and to work in Babylon where they had put down roots and were an integral part of the community.

the people that stayed behind we're probably more materialistic then those who venture out to Jerusalem. The ones that came to Jerusalem would be more a devoted to the Lord then the ones who stayed behind. In the same way some answer the call to follow Jesus to a different lifestyle and Mission because they are a devoted to the Lord whereas others do not follow Jesus because they are more materialistic and then spiritual.

[haar]

Q1. (Ezra 1:5-6)

Q. Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon?

A. Some stayed but contributed resources for the rebuilding of God's house while some did not returned because they had become too comfortable and would not contemplate the stress of going back to rebuild God's house.

Q. Why do only some answer Jesus' call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? What are the characteristics of true disciples?

A. This is line with the divine saying that many are called but few are chosen. Those that would refuse are usually those too preoccupied with the worldly things of life.

A true disciple should always be ready to answer the call of the Master

 

[Debra Grant]

Q1. (Ezra 1:5-6) Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon? Why do only some answer Jesus' call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? What are the characteristics of true disciples?

 1. God touched the heart of Cyrus first which would set them free to leave, and then touched others with a desire to go. If they were not touched by God, they had no desire to leave.

 2. Those who returned were the kind of people who had a heart for their nation and who cares much about their true home and those who did not return had less care and concern.

 

3. Some people are afraid of changing, they are fearful when it comes to going out of their comfort zone. They want to stay in their comfort zone because they feel protected. 

 4. A true disciple is someone who follow and obey Christ. They spread the Good News about God and are ready to follow him unconditionally.

[Debra Grant]

Q1. (Ezra 1:5-6) Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon? Why do only some answer Jesus' call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? What are the characteristics of true disciples?

 

1. God touched the heart of Cyrus first which would set them free to leave, and then touched others with a desire to go. If they were not touched by God, they had no desire to leave.

 2. Those who returned were the kind of people who had a heart for their nation and who cares much about their true home and those who did not return had less care and concern.

 3. Some people are afraid of changing, they are fearful when it comes to going out of their comfort zone. They want to stay in their comfort zone because they feel protected. 

 4. A true disciple is someone who follow and obey Christ. They spread the Good News about God and are ready to follow him unconditionally.

[Commissioned]

On 8/15/2017 at 5:16 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q1. (Ezra 1:5-6) Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon? Why do only some answer Jesus’ call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? What are the characteristics of true disciples?

Only some of the Jews chose to return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity because they were homesick and were not comfortable living away from their homeland.  Those who stayed were comfortable where they were and chose not to return to rebuild their life in the old homeland. 

Only some answer Jesus’ call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission, because like the Jews others want to remain in the lifestyle that they are used to and are enjoying,  This they'd rather do than to enter a life that is unknown to them.   The characteristics of true disciples is a humble and obedient servant to the commands of God.

[BKeane]

Why so few chose to return? would be very much like today when so few choose to return/follow: amongst the more common ones: 1) pride of position, current full life (materialistic); did not know prophets teachings; were physically afraid; could not convince family members or close associates' fear of the "unknown"; fear of being unable or incapable;

 characteristics....all internal so very difficult for someone else to detect in "real deal"; somewhat evident with total reprobates (e.g today's "smug majority");the internal characteristics are the classic virtues imbued with Grace (before and during development of these as habitual); as today we "judge" by external appearances and enjoy having our ears tickled 

[Craig]

1. (Ezra 1:5-6) Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon? Why do only some answer Jesus’ call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? What are the characteristics of true disciples?

Those who returned were moved by the Holy Spirit to return.  They were attuned to leaving Babylon and returning to Jerusalem.  Those that stayed over time became comfortable in Babylon like many displaced people throughout time.  They made adjustments and created a life in Babylon and stayed there.  Those who had a spirit like Abraham moved back to Jerusalem.  

Those who follow Jesus on a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission have their hearts open to Jesus' call to go on mission wherever that leads.

Pure and simple -- true disciples are open to the direction of the Holy Spirit.

[Damary Alembi]

Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity?

God had already moved the hearts of those who took a step of returning to Jerusalem.

It took God to move them. It takes God to do so. One must be moved by God’s word so as to heed to the call of Jesus Christ. When God decides to do so, there is no point of retreat. One cannot hide.

 What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon? Others stay behind because they have become too comfortable to become pioneers once again. Others do not have history of where they have to return. Others find Babylon to be their original home. Maybe their parents died before they could tell them where they came from and therefore, cannot trust nor accept to follow what others are telling them. Also there are those who have the fear of the unknown. They have not been to Jerusalem before. God had not moved their hearts.

Why do only some answer Jesus' call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? What are the characteristics of true disciples? The willingness to do what is right at the moment.

[JSF]

(Ezra 1:5-6) Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? The family heads went, and the priests and the Levites and everyone whose heart God had moved.  One thought is that God allowed some to stay behind to be His people in Babylon.

What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon? Loyalty to Judaism and /or to their God.   Enthusiasm for Jerusalem.

Why do only some answer Jesus’ call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? It is certainly not the comfortable route.

What are the characteristics of true disciples?   Willing to give all to follow God's will, whether that means to stay or go.

[Julie]

On 8/15/2017 at 5:16 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q1. (Ezra 1:5-6) Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon? Why do only some answer Jesus’ call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? What are the characteristics of true disciples?

 To answer the question it helps me to describe the characteristics of Meekness. Those who returned to rebuild the temple had this characteristic of taking the role of a servant, they willingly submitted themselves to service to God. They were the chosen ones, the Jews that were exiled to Babylon. The ones that stayed behind were not part of the exiled ones, but willingly financed the expedition, they did not have it in their hearts to return to take part in the actual rebuilding of the temple. The characteristics of a disciple is to have a right relationship with the Lord to be meek, remorseful, to have a spiritual desire, to be merciful, to have a pure heart.

[Stoley]

On 8/15/2017 at 5:16 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q1. (Ezra 1:5-6) Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon? Why do only some answer Jesus’ call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? What are the characteristics of true disciples?

I think that some Jews were meticulous in their studies and worship of Yahweh, this would have enabled them to withstand the pressure of the gods and cultures around them. This meant also, some were aware of and celebrated the holdays and the prophecies, especially the ones to be fulfilled. Others knew only of home, but they had been born in Babylon, but maintained what was taught  superficially. The ones who returned were pious, learned(Torah and Prophets), they were older, Zionists, feared Yahweh. 

The ones who follow Jesus on this radical lifestyle have possibly been broken, have seen the best/worst that the world has to offer, saved from a profoundly difficult, impossible situation, tired of religious cycles and have spent time in solitude with Jesus, unable to escape the pull on their hearts toward their purpose. The characteristics of true disciples:sworn loyalty to Jesus, sacrificial giving, humility, dilihent study of the word, obedience to the revealed word, lifestyle of fervant prayer, consecrated life.

[haar]

Q1. (Ezra 1:5-6)

Q. Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity?

A. Some of those who did not returned had settled down and din't want any head ache of undertaking a long journey aside the tedious reconstruction task / work ahead.

Q.  What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon?

A. Those who returned had the love of their nation at heart and were willing to embark on the journey while others were just contented to remain  and enjoy life.

Q. Why do only some answer Jesus' call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission?

A. Most of those who do not response to Jesus call to follow Him have their minds set on worldly concern and thus do not follow Jesus.

Q. What are the characteristics of true disciples?

A. Ability to let go all the glittering things of this world in favour of eternal life.

 

[Katy]

Q1.A. Some Israelites decided to stay in exile.... this is70 years later so they may not have had the same loyalty to Jerusalem, their temple or their God, as some of their friends. However they helped to fund the rebuilding of the temple by sending gold and silver and other items. There were probably others who were just to comfortable where they were to uproot and travel the journey back to Jerusalem.

Q1.B. Characteristics of those who returned to Jerusalem: 1.A deep devotion to God. 2. Loyalty.

3.Faithfullness. 4.Determination 5.Perseverance. 6.Hard working. 
Those who don’t return: 1. Contentment. 2. Complacency. 3. Fear.4.Easy going.

Q1.C.I am reminded by this question of the parable of the sower in Matthew 13.v3-9.

The seed that falls on the path is the person who hears the Word of God but doesn’t understand and so Satan distracts them and snatches the Word away.

The seed that falls on rocky ground is the person that succumbs when they have trouble and persecution because they love God.

The seed that falls among thorns and briars are those who are choked by the worries and pleasures of this world and they are unfruitful.

But some seed falls on good soil and those are the people who hear and accept Gods word, they go and devote their lives to God. 
People these days feel that God is outdated and that the Bible is irrelevant for this present age. They feel self sufficient , and therefore don’t need God.

Unfortunately many children/young adults know nothing about God because their parents don’t believe so the children are not being taught anything about God. 
Q1.D. True disciples of God are those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus. They study God’s word with diligence, and are ‘doers of the word and not just hearers’, James 1v23 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. They spend time daily in prayer, worship,and reading. They meet with fellow Christians for services, prayer,encouragement and fellowship. They use every opportunity to speak about Jesus to those they are in contact with. They speak freely and naturally about all that Jesus has done for them.

 

[souxieq]

On 8/16/2017 at 2:46 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q1. (Ezra 1:5-6) Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon? Why do only some answer Jesus’ call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? What are the characteristics of true disciples?

Perhaps they were the generation that knew only the land of exile, while the older generation (mostly) reminisced and grieved for the splendid temple in which they grew up worshipping and which had been a major part of their lives. There may have been those who were not that Involved spiritually with the law and the temple and preferred the comfortable lifestyle they had gotten used to. Besides there were no more wars and enemies to contend with.

Humans are intrinsically self preserving and believe the pinnacle of success is having a comfortable life. While Jesus tends to often take us out of our comfort zone to grow spiritually, sacrificially even..." If you have two tunics you should share with the one who has none" so to speak. As someone wrote: 'in a one-coat society, that would have been funny.' Jesus moved about depending upon the kindness of others for his basic needs of food and shelter ( he had nowhere to lay his head) and he asked his disciples to do the same. He went where he was needed and where people most needed to know of the grace and mercy of our Father; the lost sheep, or the prodigal son one might say. 

The Samaritan woman (he didn't take the usual detour Jews took to avoid samaritans, but went right through the city) 

True disciples would understand by Jesus's lifestyle that earth life is transitory and rather than get attached to earthly things we should be ready to take God's grace and mercy to those who seem genuinely lost, no matter where it takes us. One of the hardest things to do when comfortably ensconced in a well-tended nest. Worse still is never speaking up for injustice incase it costs us even the slightest discomfort. 

[Ropah Muindisi]

First of all thank you so much Dr.Ralph for compiling such a powerful Bible Study. Im really enjoying it all the way from South Africa and i cant wait to join more. May God bless you.

 

Q1a)

I think only some returned to Jerusalem because the rest were complacent, somewhat indifferent and settled in the land that moving would've been too much of a hassle.

 

Also,i found it interesting that the NIVin v6 says "everyone whose heart God had moved" suggesting that either God attempted to move all hearts or moved the hearts of a few. Either way some moved and some didn't. This implies that a few returned because their hearts were more responsive to the move of God than others.

 

1b)The ones who stayed were likely to be people of immovable hearts,materialistic, uncommitted, complacent etc.

 

The ones who returned were devout, sensitive to the move of God, commited and devoted to God and the way of their fathers, obedient.

 

1c) Only some answerJesus' call to follow him to a different kind of lifestyle and mission because to most people the cost is too high. It calls for a lot of sacrifice and leaving the place of comfort and things we enjoy behind. Also,its just hard lol

 

1d) Characteristics of true disciples -- They value commitment over convenience,they consider the master's will above theirs