Day #67: Ezra 5-7, "Rebuild & Instruct"

Ezra 5 -7

If you guessed that the LORD would see to it that His house was rebuilt in Jerusalem, you guessed right! With the encouragement of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the work resumed, despite ongoing attempts to undermine its progress. The original decree of King Cyrus to rebuild the temple would be found, giving legitimacy to the undertaking, as well as financial backing. Within a few short years, the temple work is complete, and “the returned exiles celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy (6:16).” With the worship of God reinstituted, the exiles are able to partake of God’s Old Covenant meal, the Passover, feasting once again in the house of Zion! Some years after the LORD saw fit to feed them in this way, He sent Ezra the priest to instruct them according to His Word, that they might live according to His ways, and be blessed in the good land He so graciously provided for His people.
 
Reflect: In what ways do you see the LORD building His house (the church), even in the face of significant challenges? How is the LORD continuing to feed His flock, the household of faith? And in what ways Has the LORD been teaching His people, according to His Word, that they might know Him, and the power of His resurrection?
 
Connect:  The LORD is always at work, calling people into the body of Christ, feeding & nourishing them, and teaching them to better live according to His ways. Meditate for a few moments on how the LORD Jesus did this in the Feeding of the Five Thousand, from Mark Chapter 6.
 
Mark 6:30-43

- Rev. John McCombs