Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Privilege of Prayer”, pages 93–104, in Steps to Christ. “The work of restoration and reform carried on by the returned exiles, under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, presents a picture of a work of spiritual restoration that is to be wrought in the closing days of this earth’s history. … Continue reading –>
Read Ezra 8:21-23, Ezra 8:31-32. Would you consider Ezra’s decision not to speak to the king as foolish or brave? How did Ezra and the people show humility? Sometime later, Nehemiah accepted the king’s entourage for protection. But in Ezra’s instance, he believed that God could show Himself best if they did not ask anything of the … Continue reading –>
What do the following texts teach us about the driving force in the lives of both Ezra and Nehemiah? (Neh. 2:1-10, Ezra 7:8-10). In all that they did, Ezra and Nehemiah were seeking to see God’s will done in the lives of His people. Yes, the people had messed up; yes, they were punished for it. But God, … Continue reading –>
Read Nehemiah 4:7-23. In what ways did Nehemiah show courage? What gave him this courage? Nehemiah stood up against their enemies, who tried to intimidate the Jews. Nehemiah responded by taking the initiative to get the people ready to fight. Nehemiah did not just say “All right, God, You do it all”. Instead, he had the … Continue reading –>
Look at the following texts. What do they tell us about these leaders and their influence over the people they ruled? 1 Kings 15:26, 1 Kings 15:34 2 Kings 13:1-3 John 11:46-53 It is a sobering thought to many of us who hold positions of leadership in any capacity that our leadership has the potential to … Continue reading –>
All through the Bible, we can find examples of leadership, both good and bad, and sometimes even a mixture of both. Bad leaders, at times, have done some good things, while good leaders, at times, have done some bad things. After all, all leaders are human beings and, as such, are capable of both good … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Kings 12:1-16; Acts 15:7-11; John 11:46-53; Neh. 4:7-23; Ezra 8:21-23, Ezra 8:31-32. Memory Text: “And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them” (Nehemiah 8:12, NKJV). Both Ezra and Nehemiah are examples of great leaders who were dedicated to … Continue reading –>
God’s Math By Andrew McChesney, Adventist Mission Jannie Bekker, a genteel South African with wavy blond hair, was deployed to Vietnam’s capital with $2 million and the momentous task of establishing the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s first “urban center of influence” in the southeast Asian country. Bekker, however, struggled to find a suitable property in Hanoi. … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Ellen G. White, “Reformation”, pages 669–678, in Prophets and Kings. “Industry in a God-appointed duty is an important part of true religion. Men should seize circumstances as God’s instruments with which to work His will. Prompt and decisive action at the right time will gain glorious triumphs, while delay and neglect result in failure and dishonor … Continue reading –>
From what we have seen in Ezra and Nehemiah about this issue of mixed marriages, it’s clear that God takes marriage seriously, and that we should, as well. We should prayerfully consider a potential marriage partner, and include God in the decision-making. And we should decide to be faithful to God’s principles, which can protect … Continue reading –>
