Our reading challenge for the day is Ezra 6-10. I’ll hit a few highlights. You make comments too and fill in the gaps. What strikes you as specially significant?
Ezra 6 - Darius the king had research done into past royal decrees. Because the building of the temple was previously approved he ordered it to continue and be funded. So construction did continue and the feasts of worship were restored.
Ezra 7 - By royal decree the priests and other leaders continue to go to Jerusalem as the official leaders of that region.
Ezra 8 - We have some lists of the priests coming to Jerusalem. More important is the attitude shown by Ezra. They had affirmed trust in God to protect them on their journey with priceless articles of worship. So they prayed and went. God was good to his word and brought them through safely.
Ezra 9 - See how Ezra prays for the sins of his people, as he is one of the people involved in their shame, though he himself is not. How do we pray for our communities?
Ezra 10 - As a result of Ezra’s prayer the people of Judah agree in repentance and set about the difficult task of reconciliation. Prayer for the people is powerful as our prayers are dependeont on God’s mercy.
Showing posts with label Ezra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ezra. Show all posts
Monday, June 18, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Bible Reading Challenge Week 24 Day 5
Our reading challenge for the day is Ezra 1-5. I’ll hit a few highlights. You make comments too and fill in the gaps. What strikes you as specially significant?
Ezra 1 - Cyrus, king of Persia, moved by God, sent those of the people of Judah who wished, back home. Cyrus gave some gifts as well as restoring the furnishings taken from the temple. See how this was to fulfill God’s prophecy.
Ezra 2 - This chapter is mostly intended to document the lineage of priests. Because the priesthood was hereditary it was very important to know who could and could not serve in bringing God’s forgiveness to the people.
Ezra 3 - Sacrifices and festivals were restored, then the foundation of the temple was laid. It’s significant that the restoration of acts of worship received primary attention. We gather to receive from God even if we do not have all the structures completed.
Ezra 4-5 - Local residents did not wish to be excluded from God’s work. Yet they were not people of Judah and the leaders did not trust them. So a series of letters began, through the time of multiple kings. “Persia” ordered construction to stop. The Jews began again. It was reported as a rebellious act.
How do we act when God’s work is hindered or prohibited? Do we pray that God’s will may be done, then respectfully seek means to continue with what God has ordained?
Ezra 1 - Cyrus, king of Persia, moved by God, sent those of the people of Judah who wished, back home. Cyrus gave some gifts as well as restoring the furnishings taken from the temple. See how this was to fulfill God’s prophecy.
Ezra 2 - This chapter is mostly intended to document the lineage of priests. Because the priesthood was hereditary it was very important to know who could and could not serve in bringing God’s forgiveness to the people.
Ezra 3 - Sacrifices and festivals were restored, then the foundation of the temple was laid. It’s significant that the restoration of acts of worship received primary attention. We gather to receive from God even if we do not have all the structures completed.
Ezra 4-5 - Local residents did not wish to be excluded from God’s work. Yet they were not people of Judah and the leaders did not trust them. So a series of letters began, through the time of multiple kings. “Persia” ordered construction to stop. The Jews began again. It was reported as a rebellious act.
How do we act when God’s work is hindered or prohibited? Do we pray that God’s will may be done, then respectfully seek means to continue with what God has ordained?
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