Friday: Further Thought ~ Making Sense of History: Zerubbabel and Ezra
Further Thought:
Read Ellen G. White, “Ezra, the Priest and Scribe”, pages 607–617, in Prophets and Kings.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
Consider Ezra’s diligent work: “Ezra became a mouthpiece for God, educating those about him in the principles that govern heaven. During the remaining years of his life, whether near the court of the king of Medo-Persia or at Jerusalem, his principal work was that of a teacher. As he communicated to others the truths he learned, his capacity for labor increased. He became a man of piety and zeal. He was the Lord’s witness to the world of the power of Bible truth to ennoble the daily life” – Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 609.
“In the work of reform to be carried forward today, there is need of men who, like Ezra and Nehemiah, will not palliate or excuse sin, nor shrink from vindicating the honor of God. Those upon whom rests the burden of this work will not hold their peace when wrong is done, neither will they cover evil with a cloak of false charity. They will remember that God is no respecter of persons, and that severity to a few may prove mercy to many. They will remember also that in the one who rebukes evil the spirit of Christ should ever be revealed” – Page 675.
Discussion Questions:
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Rebuilding after destruction is often a painful experience. I have visited Christchurch in New Zealand several times since the destructive earthquake that virtually destroyed the CBD and a fairly large amount of the eastern suburbs. One of the casualties was that beautiful iconic cathedral in the center of the city. The pain of rebuilding the cathedral is particularly pertinent. Built at a time when Christianity was the centerpiece of society it was grand and imposing. Now, Christianity has lost its privileged position in society and the current congregation is small. Questions are asked about the need to rebuild such a grand building at a cost to the community.
In the wider sense, Christianity itself has lost the battle with secularism mainly due to hypocrisy. It is easy for us to dismiss "other" Christians as not being true Christians but that does not absolve us from the responsibility of rebuilding the Christian name.
Consider this: If the task of rebuilding "brand" Christianity has been given to us, what do we rebuild? Imposing church structures? Assertive doctrinal positions? Functional hierarchical organization? Or a reflection of the love of Jesus?
Rebuilding the Jewish nation, led to rebuilding the temple, smaller and less imposing than the one that it replaced. But the real rebuilding was the restoration of the relationship between God and his people. That healing process was more challenging than building the temple.
God is in control - Even in sin marred earth, God is working his purpose and plan. No one can deter him from what He has purposed.
I declare - Isaiah 55:10-12 10 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, 11 so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. 12 You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Events - Events in the bible or not placed in chronological order; therefore, there is space for lot of ambiguity. However, when read led by the Spirit, Genesis to Revelation one theme permeates the redemption of humanity and God's love.
Law - Law of God gives us the knowledge of right and wrong. Without the law there is no morale uprightness.
Habit - We spend our resources on what we value the most; therefore our spending habit will reveal the priority of our life.
Education - You must think constantly about these commandments I am giving you today. 7 You must teach them to your children and talk about them when you are at home or out for a walk; at bedtime and the first thing in the morning. 8 Tie them on your finger, wear them on your forehead, 9 and write them on the doorposts of your house!
Ezra never stopped talking about God. His whole life was dependent on the Word of God. He understood the return of Jerusalem to its glory depended on the Israelites returning unto the Word. Therefore, he mediated upon it and shared what he learned with the king and the people of Israel. He worked diligently at the restoration of Jerusalem.
Where is our dependency?
Guide me and help me understand your ways Oh Holy Ghost.
#1. What choices might we be making in our own lives that could hinder the fulfillment of His promises to us?
In question 2, Daniel refers to Deut 27-31.
I was thinking about Deut 27-31. The blessings of Obedience and the curses of Disobedience. Can anyone say if these verses are still relevant to the SDA people in 2019? If no, why not, If yes, share your thoughts.
Do you think we are experiencing the “curse of disobedience”?
The Israelites were told to be the Head and not the tail? Are SDA called to be the head? How does being the “Head” looks?
Greetings saints... Can anyone manage to give a summary on "The Least of These" - Ministering To Those In Need @3rd Quarter... Its urgent please.
I am not sure just why you are asking this question when most of the comments written in this blog in the last week of the quarter were an attempt at a summary of the quarter. Perhaps the most cogent of the summaries is the one given in Matthew in the parable of the Sheep and the Goats.