Repentance Leading to Reform Ezra 9

Ezra ends on a disturbing note of unfinished business. While the good hand of the Lord guided the Israelites back to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, Ezra sees the repeated pattern of acquiescing to the culture. Once again, leaders of the people were adopting the patterns of prevailing culture, rejecting biblical mandates. Ezra 9 reminds us of the need for personal and corporate repentance in the face of our bent to be molded by our world.

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The Activity of Trust Ezra 8: 15-36

Today, having finally met Ezra in chapter 7 and hearing King Artexerxes’ letter granting passage and provisions for the trip, we now get to see Ezra in action as he leads many to return to Jerusalem. Ezra 7 ends with “I (Ezra) took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was on me…” and we’ll see this morning how knowing the comfort of God’s hand upon us leads to activity.  It’s really the activity of trusting, the activity of resting in God, but the result is worship.  Ezra is preparing the people, the priests, and the provisions for temple worship. 

Read Online: Ezra 8: 15-36

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A Heart for God's Word Ezra 7:1-10

   Today we finally meet Ezra, three quarters of the way through the story, seventy years later. Ezra 7 introduces us to the priest, whose role as a scribe sets the tone for Judaism and, later Christianity, for the leader who is committed to studying, obeying and teaching God’s Word.  

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Read Online: Ezra 7:1-10
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Ezra 6:16-22 Captivated by Joy

In this message, in Ezra 5-6 the Temple is now complete, despite objections by other peoples in the land. Following its dedication, Passover is finally celebrated in the completed Temple. In Ezra 6:19-22 Israel once again looks back to the great event in their history, the Exodus from Egypt. As their ancestors in the past, they replay the passing over by the angel of death, as they eat the sacrificial lamb. What was a somber event, gives way to joy and celebration for God’s gracious freedom.





Read Online: Ezra 6:16-22