DAY 287- BIG PICTURE IN A YEAR - THE EXILE
Reading: Ezra 7:1-7, 11-28; 8:15-32; 7:8-10; 8:1-14, 33-36
Stage 2: - 458BC
A gap of more than fifty years followed until the next group of returnees arrived back in the land.
In the spring of 458 B.C., Ezra led a second wave of Israelites in returning to Jerusalem. GOD had put it in the heart of Artaxerxes, who was then the king of Persia, to bring honor to the Temple and to extend favor to Ezra and the Jews. Artaxerxes sent a letter to Ezra instructing him to lead all the Israelites who were willing in a journey back to Jerusalem. Artaxerxes contributed animals for sacrifice and gold and silver for an offering to GOD. Ezra was to gather others to help him return and assist in the rebuilding efforts and in the restoration of Temple worship in accordance with the law.
GOD blessed Ezra and this group and protected them on the four-month journey from Babylon. Approximately 1,500 Jews made the journey along with Ezra. They did not have Persian soldiers protect them because they had entrusted themselves to GOD. A wonderful statement is made regarding Ezra's character:
10 For Ezra had prepared and set his heart to seek the Law of the Lord [to inquire for it and of it, to require and yearn for it], and to do and teach in Israel its statutes and its ordinances. (Ezra 7:10 AMP)
As they were preparing to leave Babylon, Ezra called the people together and proclaimed a fast. Ezra knew that if he was to succeed, he was going to need GOD to make him successful. He didn't rely on his own abilities or wisdom.
Forgive me for stating the obvious, but will we not see the same results if we, like Ezra, set our hearts to know and obey God and His Word?
Prayer
Thank You beloved Lord
FOR THE FAMILY
Watch this video over the next few days