Day 122

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Jews Released from Captivity

Ezra Introduction

The Jews held captive in Babylonia for seventy years are allowed at last to return to their homeland. The book of Ezra begins with a decree of King Cyrus of Persia and the homeward journey of the first returnees under Zerubbabel (chapter 1-6). With the temple rebuilt, a second group returns under Ezra the priest, this time to rebuild the spiritual vitality of the nation (chapter 7-10). Between those two homecomings you'll find a fifty-eight-year interlude, during which the book of Esther takes place.

Scripture

May 1—Ezra 1-3: Restoring the People of God

Observation

The Old Testament is the history of God keeping his promises to his people. Following the Babylonian captivity, God stirs the heart of a Persian king (Cyrus) to release the Jews and charge them to rebuild their own temple in Jerusalem—an event prophesied 200 years before (Isaiah 44:28). Some 50,000 Jews respond to the call. With Zerubbabel as their leader, this dedicated corps of priests, carpenters, masons, and common folk begins the long journey back to their shattered homeland. After rebuilding the altar and reinstating the sacrifices, they are ready to undertake the mammoth job of rebuilding the temple. The foundation is laid, causing joy and optimism among the workers. But tears of sadness flow from those who recall the incomparable splendor of the former temple—a splendor that disobedience destroyed.

Application

Envision this setting. You are part of a 50,000-member caravan on a 900-mile journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. After months on the road you arrive at your destination—a little footsore and weary, but eager to begin the task.

What do you do first: Draw up the blueprints? Hire the architects? Order the necessary building materials? Rebuild your own house again?

While the Israelites did all these things eventually, their first thought was for God (3:1-6). They knew that the success of their building venture depended on their attitude toward him. And so, before they began to work, they began to worship.

Let's make a list of the duties awaiting us today. Then before we tackle our list, let's talk to God. We—like the Israelite returnees—have ample reason to sing Him praises!

Prayer

Oh Lord, we know worship must precede work as surely as the nail must precede the hammer so we are asking that you go ahead of us and prepare our day. Bless our journey into the unknown for only you know what we are in need of and we want to give you the glory before we start our day. We praise your Holy Name and thank you in Jesus name. Amen!

Worship Him!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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