Listen to today’s devo!

When the seventh month came and the Israelites had settled in their towns, the people assembled together as one in Jerusalem. (Ezra 3:1)

Expanded Passage: Ezra 3:1-2

Football is considered by many to be the sport that requires the most teamwork. This is because of the number of players, individual roles, and unified movement necessary to push the ball down the field. With so many moving parts, what makes it possible? In sequential order, it combines individual practice, communal identity, and a common purpose that unifies the entire team. Lacking one of these aspects would lead an otherwise talented team to falter.

Like good football teams, the Israelites seemed to know this as well. They had to start from scratch as they returned to Jerusalem from exile. They first “settled in their towns,” making sure they were individually ready for the crucial task ahead of them. This individual preparation was their “practice.” The people then assembled as one community, under their shared identity as Israelites. They united under one common purpose: to rebuild the altar and reinstate their communion with God through worship.

The return of the Israelites beginning to rebuild and a football team scoring touchdowns teaches us three areas to pay attention to when faced with a new start. How are we doing individually? Have we rooted our identity in a fruitful community? Have we found the purpose of this new start? The Israelites knew the answer to all three as they assembled in Jerusalem. Do you?

Prayerfully evaluate your practices, your communal identity, and your purpose.

Jay Drury is a second-year MDiv student at Asbury Seminary (KY), pursuing ordination in The Wesleyan Church. He is married to Hannah, whom he met at age sixteen.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.