Summary of Ezra 1:1-4; 6:16-22; 9:1-15; and Esther 4:12-14
Ezra 1:1-4
Cyrus king of Persia says that the Lord has given him the kingdoms of the earth and appointed him to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. All of God’s people are free to return to their land to do so, and they will be given help and treasures to accomplish this.
Ezra 6:16-22
The temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. The people celebrated with offerings and then with Passover.
Ezra 9:1-15
Ezra learned that the people of Israel, including the leaders, the priests, and the Levites, had intermarried with the pagan people around them. Ezra was appalled. He prayed to God. He acknowledged the people’s great sins. He thanks God for their return to Jerusalem and the temple rebuilding. He again acknowledges their sins and how they are unworthy of God’s grace, mercy, and presence.
Esther 4
Mordecai told Esther that she was put in this place for such a time as this to speak for the Jewish people and save them.
BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 3: Ezra 1:1-4; 6:16-22; 9:1-15; and Esther 4:12-14
6) God will use whomever for His purposes. He will provide a way, even in unexpected ways and through non-believers.
7a) I have to keep moving in His purposes for my life, doing my best to understand His will and not mine.
b) Through pure repentance and a desire to change my sinful ways. I can pray, ask for forgiveness, and receive the healing blood of Christ. For others, I can pray, encourage them in their faith walk, doing my best to forgive them, too.
8a) To know and realize that God has me here in this moment at this time for a purpose and to figure out what that is for Him. And, to give Him all the credit in and for my life.
b) Both Esther and Mordecai faced the ultimate risks — death. For me, just the loss of friends and offending others, but it’s all worth it in His name.
c) I just pray and try to follow Him, pulling on His strength and not mine for all that He asks of me and all that He wants me to walk through.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 3: Ezra 1:1-4; 6:16-22; 9:1-15; and Esther 4:12-14
Love how God uses everyone for His purposes, always and forever.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 3: Ezra 1:1-4; 6:16-22; 9:1-15; and Esther 4:12-14
See previous lessons for notes: HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE
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