We begin our study of the book of Ezra by focusing on Ezra 10:4-5. Ezra was a priest and a scribe charged with helping the people rediscover their worship of the Lord. However, upon returning to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity, he discovered that the people had forsaken the Lord. This news knocked him to his feet. But he did not stay down. He rose up. We do not have to be held back by past mistakes or present hurts. We too can rise up. Scriptures referenced include Ezra 10:4-5; Erza 7:1; 2 Kings 25:18; Ezra 3:8; Ezra 9:1-3; Joshua 7:10; Isaiah 52; Isaiah 40:29, 31; Isaiah 61:3 and Nehemiah 12:43.