Ezra 7-10; Psalm 97; Revelation 4
❗️ Charity Fundraiser in Support of the International Ministry “Word of Grace”
The detailed genealogy of Ezra highlights the importance of ensuring that only direct descendants of Aaron could serve as priests.
Ezra succeeded for two main reasons:
• “The gracious hand of his God was on him.”
• “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (Ezra 7:9-10)
The Persian King Artaxerxes, likely familiar with God through his predecessors and the Jews living in his territory, took significant measures to restore worship to Him:
“Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven. Why should His wrath fall on the realm of the king and of his sons?” (Ezra 7:23)
Ezra was granted authority to appoint leaders and judges throughout Judah (Ezra 7:25).
Understanding the magnitude of his mission, the dangers of the journey, and the weight of his responsibilities, Ezra and his companions declared a fast and sought God in prayer (Ezra 8:22-23).
Walking before God with a constant awareness of dependence on Him makes people sensitive to sin. Upon arriving in Judea, Ezra immediately recognized the problem of intermarriage with pagans among the first wave of returnees. Ezra addressed this issue in prayer and repentance before God, then called the nation to repent and renew their covenant with Him.
Psalm 97
Only the Lord is the true King of the universe. His sovereignty is evident in both the physical world and among the nations.
Revelation 4
The angel speaking with John transports him from the island of Patmos to heaven, allowing him to witness what will happen in the future:
“Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” (Rev. 4:1).
John first sees God’s throne and the One seated on it, which dominates heaven. He also sees twenty-four elders on thrones, dressed in white and wearing crowns, representing the church—those redeemed by Christ. The four living creatures stand before God, identified as cherubim (special angelic beings mentioned earlier in Ezekiel’s book).
The overarching atmosphere of heaven is one of constant awe at God’s majesty and ceaseless worship of Him.
The detailed genealogy of Ezra highlights the importance of ensuring that only direct descendants of Aaron could serve as priests.
Ezra succeeded for two main reasons:
• “The gracious hand of his God was on him.”
• “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (Ezra 7:9-10)
The Persian King Artaxerxes, likely familiar with God through his predecessors and the Jews living in his territory, took significant measures to restore worship to Him:
“Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven. Why should His wrath fall on the realm of the king and of his sons?” (Ezra 7:23)
Ezra was granted authority to appoint leaders and judges throughout Judah (Ezra 7:25).
Understanding the magnitude of his mission, the dangers of the journey, and the weight of his responsibilities, Ezra and his companions declared a fast and sought God in prayer (Ezra 8:22-23).
Walking before God with a constant awareness of dependence on Him makes people sensitive to sin. Upon arriving in Judea, Ezra immediately recognized the problem of intermarriage with pagans among the first wave of returnees. Ezra addressed this issue in prayer and repentance before God, then called the nation to repent and renew their covenant with Him.
Psalm 97
Only the Lord is the true King of the universe. His sovereignty is evident in both the physical world and among the nations.
Revelation 4
The angel speaking with John transports him from the island of Patmos to heaven, allowing him to witness what will happen in the future:
“Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” (Rev. 4:1).
John first sees God’s throne and the One seated on it, which dominates heaven. He also sees twenty-four elders on thrones, dressed in white and wearing crowns, representing the church—those redeemed by Christ. The four living creatures stand before God, identified as cherubim (special angelic beings mentioned earlier in Ezekiel’s book).
The overarching atmosphere of heaven is one of constant awe at God’s majesty and ceaseless worship of Him.
Posted in Reading Bible Together