Arize

During the early days of Arize Together, when it was more of an idea than an organization, the three founders spent much time in prayer and the Word to discern where God was leading us. And this verse from Ezra struck me, “Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you. Be strong and do it” (10:4).

Ezra was pleading with the Jewish people to renew their covenant with God, for they had lost their identity as His people. Their “task” was to overcome the enemies who threatened them and keep God’s law. Similarly, this verse reminds me of what we do here as a community: reclaiming our identity as children of God, gaining strength, and doing the next thing with the support and encouragement of each other. We arise together.

The verb “arise” appears 136 times in the English Standard Version of the Bible. In the Old Testament, “arise” is often a command, commonly coupled with a directive to go. For God does not want us to stay stagnate. He’s with us right where we’re at, but He has so much more for us where He is calling us to step out in faith.

On several occasions in the New Testament, with the advent of Christ, “arise” is a command for the dead through His divine power. Mark 5 tells of one such account: “Taking her by the hand, [Jesus] said to her, ‘Talitha cumi,’ which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you arise.’ And immediately the girl got up and began walking” (41-42). Friend, imagine Jesus taking your hand and telling you to arise. Imagine the kindness in His eyes and gentleness of His touch. He is with you as take your next step. He is with you as He calls you out of death and into new life.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he ties together the prophecy of Isaiah with this glory that is ours through Jesus, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (5:14). What areas of your life are dead? Is Jesus calling you out old patterns, relationships or habits that no longer serve you? Is He calling you to new ways, to new people, to new experiences?

Feeling overwhelmed is a natural response when we don’t know exactly how to do that next thing. But we don’t have to have it all figured out, for that is the journey, and it’s easier to find our way with supportive community around us. We need only to trust that Jesus is with us as well, and His one ask for this moment is that we arise.

Let’s pray.
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Dear Jesus,
As we begin a new year, open our ears to your command to arise, and open our eyes to the direction you would have us go. Thank you for this community you have put around us to strengthen us. You make all things new, including our hearts. Grant us strength to renew our minds and courage to take that next step. Amen.