In the first lesson of this quarter, we studied how God called Zerubbabel (c. 538 B.C). and Ezra (457 B.C). to special ministries. In the second lesson, we considered God’s call for Nehemiah (444 B.C.). We need to realize that these callings were performed in harmony with God’s foreknowledge. For example, Zerubbabel was moved by … Continue reading –>
We could say that Ezra was chosen for various reasons: 1. he was willing to go; 2. he was a leader; and 3. he was a skilled scribe and teacher. There are additional reasons that we could find, as well. But there is one verse that perhaps best demonstrates why Ezra was given this task. What does Ezra 7:10 say about Ezra? How … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Ezra 7:10; Neh. 1:1-11; Dan. 9:24-27; Daniel 8:1-27; Rom. 8:28-29; Romans 9:1-33; Exodus 3:1-4:31. Memory Text: “Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem” (Ezra 7:27, NKJV). Does God call each person to … Continue reading –>
Gift of 4,000 Euros By Viriato Ferreira A serious dilemma unexpectedly emerged on a Friday morning. The architect of our VitaSalus Wellness Center announced that we urgently needed to put up railings around several buildings. “If someone falls, you’ll be in trouble”, he warned. We knew that he was right. VitaSalus – an Ellen White-inspired … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Contemplate “A Man of Opportunity”, pages 628–634, in Prophets and Kings. Nehemiah was a man of prayer: “Nehemiah had often poured out his soul in behalf of his people. But now as he prayed a holy purpose formed in his mind. He resolved that if he could obtain the consent of the king, and … Continue reading –>
No question, the Lord had called Nehemiah to this task and would provide all that he would need. Armed with the knowledge of God’s promises and the certainty of the call by God, Nehemiah proceeded. But he moved ahead carefully and prayerfully. In other words, even though he knew God was with him, this knowledge … Continue reading –>
The king sent letters with Nehemiah to Sanballat the Horonite and to Tobiah the Ammonite, the high officials of the region beyond the River, in order to pave the way for what Nehemiah was to accomplish. Additionally, the king commanded Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, to provide Nehemiah with all the timber necessary … Continue reading –>
Nehemiah 1:11 says that Nehemiah is the king’s cupbearer. To us this may seem like an unimportant job, but cupbearers could be men of powerful influence, since they had constant and close access to the king. Cupbearers tasted beverages for the king in order to prevent illness or death of the king. Herodotus points out that … Continue reading –>
Read Nehemiah’s prayer found in Nehemiah 1:5-11. What are the different components of the prayer? Why does he include himself in the prayer as those who are guilty? 1. God you are great and have mercy (Neh. 1:5). 2. Hear me (Neh. 1:6). 3. Confession of sins (Neh. 1:6-7). 4. Remember your promises (Neh. 1:8-9). 3. You have redeemed us (Neh. 1:10). … Continue reading –>
The book of Nehemiah opens somewhat in the same way the book of Daniel did (read Dan. 1:1-2), and that was with bad news. Yes, many had returned to their ancestral homeland, but things weren’t going too well for them there. Read Nehemiah 1:1-4. Why was Nehemiah so distressed? What was his response to the bad news he … Continue reading –>
