For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Ezra 4
Why did the people of the land say they wanted to help with building God’s temple? Were they trying to get involved so they could disrupt the effort from within? Or did they just not like something going on over which they had no power or control? It is clear from their response to the Jews’ refusal that it wasn’t because their hearts were sold out to God. You don’t turn around and attempt to destroy something you genuinely cared to be a part of. Fortunately, the Jews somehow recognized that these peoples’ hearts were not for God.
I pray for the same discernment for today’s Church, the body of Christ. There are so many who involve themselves in what they claim is the work of God. Yet their hearts are not with God. These are the people Paul warns us to treat as outsiders. Unless they truly give their whole heart to God, they have no business building His temple with us. Whether from the inside or the outside, their true desire is to destroy God’s work.
Ezra 5-6
I need to pay attention next time I read the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah to see how they helped these exiles as they re-inhabited and rebuilt Judah and Jerusalem. Ezra mentions this more than once. What did these two prophets say and do that encouraged the people to persevere in the face of fear and opposition? And how can I apply their words to my own life to do the same?