Bible Pathways - June 3, 2005

June 3

Read Ezra 6 -- 7

In Today's Reading:

Darius' decree to complete the Temple; dedication of Temple; Passover restored

The prophets Haggai and Zechariah reminded the Israelites in Jerusalem that the real reason the Lord's work went unfinished was because their first interest was in building their own homes. These anointed men boldly preached the Word of God and inspired the people to rebuild the Temple: And the elders of the Jews built, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah . . . and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel (Ezra 6:14).

Nothing is recorded about the Jews in Jerusalem between the time of Haggai and Zechariah's ministry and the coming of Ezra from Persia about 60 years later. Zerubbabel, Haggai, and Zechariah had all died leaving the next generation to grow up without their spiritual leadership.

Ezra was born during the Babylonian captivity. He was a descendant of Aaron, Israel's first high priest (see 7:1-5; I Chronicles 6:3-15). The key to Ezra's great effectiveness in accomplishing the will of God is clear: For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek (study) the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes (laws) and judgments (what God declared is right and wrong) (Ezra 7:10). Carefully note the threefold key to Ezra's great success: Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD.The word prepared implies a steadfast effort to know all of God's Word. The second qualification for the Lord's blessings upon his life was that Ezra committed himself to do it (obey the Law). And third, he planned to teach its statutes and judgments.

Ezra was committed to seeking, doing, and teaching God's Word. This should be a reminder that if we want God to bless our lives, we too must set our hearts upon the whole counsel of God. Daily we must prepare our hearts and minds for spiritual warfare, which is why Paul instructed the Ephesians to put on spiritual armor: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench (put out, extinguish) all the fiery darts (arrows, shots) of the wicked. . . . take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:16-17).

Ezra is an example of how God will use anyone who will take His Word seriously, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (II Timothy 2:15).

Christ Revealed:

Through the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Ezra 6:22). Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35) and He was without sin(Hebrews 4:15); leaven is symbolic of sin.

Word Studies:

6:1 house of the rolls = building where records were kept on scrolls; 6:4 king's house = royal treasury; 6:15 Adar compares with Feb/Mar; 7:21 the river = Euphrates.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer · BPM Staff: Barbara Bivens · Government Officials: Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (MD) and Rep. Solomon Ortiz (TX) · Country: Belize (236,000) on the eastern coast of Central America · Major languages: English and Spanish · Religious freedom · 64% Roman Catholic; 26% Protestant; 2% spiritist/animist; 1% Hindu; 1% Muslim; 1% Baha'i · Prayer Suggestion: Ask according to the will of God and you will receive (John 16:24).

Optional Reading: II Corinthians 5

Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 4:4