Remember, in His Word, God has:
- Something to see – what does the text say
- Something to understand – what does it mean
- Something to apply – what does it mean to me
- Something to praise – for what are you thankful?
(1) Through the Bible
| Day 1: Jeremiah 36-39 | Day 4: Jer 48-49 |
| Day 2: Jer 40-43 | Day 5: Jer 50 |
| Day 3: Jer 44-47 | Day 6: Jer 51-52 |
This Sunday we reflect on more than 100 years of history covered by the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Following the proclamation of the Persian King Cyrus, waves of exiles started to return (538BC). In the book of Ezra, the returning exiles are encouraged toward covenant renewal to reflect the nation God had called them to be. Of primary concern was to return to purity in worship, and holiness in living. In response to the enduring, steadfast, love of the Lord they endeavoured to rebuild the temple only to come against much opposition to the project. The prophet Haggai exhorted the people to renew their commitment to the temple restoration and the Lord’s covenant (520BC). Following the rebuilding and dedication of the temple, Ezra and Nehemiah arrive (458 and 445 BC respectively). Nehemiah’s wall restoration naturally protected the re-formed covenant community physically from their enemies, but moreover reflected the call to protect the sanctity of their worship. Overall, one of the key themes is thus the call to renewal, which encompasses both spiritual and physical, to the glory of their covenant keeping God!
(2) Key Passages
| Day 1: Ezra 1:1-7 | Day 4: Haggai 1:1-8 |
| Day 2: Ezra 3:8-11 | Day 5: Ezra 6:13-16 |
| Day 3: Ezra 4:1-5 | Day 6: Nehemiah 9:32-38 |
(3) Key Verses
| Day 1: Ezra 1:1-3 | Day 4: Haggai 1:2-4 |
| Day 2: Ezra 3:10-11 | Day 5: Ezra 6:14-15 |
| Day 3: Ezra 4:4-5 | Day 6: Nehemiah 9:32-33 |
(4) Pre-readers (in the translation of your choice, quoted below from the NLT)
“The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!”
Haggai 2:9