Job 38 - God Speaks

LINK: Job 38

by Katrina

BACKGROUND
God has arrived on the scene! He speaks to Job out of a whirlwind (rather intimidating, I think), and asks him a series of rhetorical questions. Here's my summarized paraphrase --

• Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth!
• Who set the boundaries for the sea?
• Have you ever commanded the sun to rise?
• Have you seen the depths of the sea or the earth?
• Do you know the way to the dwelling of light and darkness?
• Have you seen the storehouses of snow and hail?
• Can you cause a flood or a thunderstorm?
• Do you control the stars and constellations?
• Can you command the rain to come down?
• Do you provide food for the wild animals?

Obviously, all of these things are only within God's power to do. Job cannot understand or do any of them, and neither can we.

REFLECTION
There's nothing like a large dose of God's majesty and power to make us aware of our insignificance and powerlessness. Reflect on the things that God does, listed in this chapter, and allow yourself to be humbled by it.

APPLICATION
Praise God for his great power and majesty today.

PRAYER
Lord, you are the one true God, creator of the universe in which we live. You are far above what our minds can think! You can do far more than we can even imagine! You are sovereign over all that happens everywhere through all of time. We praise you for who you are. Amen.

Job 36 & 37 - Majesty of God

LINK: Job 36 & 37

by Katrina

BACKGROUND
Elihu continues once more with his fourth speech. He stresses the majesty of God. God is eternal and beyond our comprehension. "Behold, God is exalted, and we do not know Him; the number of His years is unsearchable" (36:22). Elihu uses illustrations of nature to demonstrate God's sovereignty. If God is sovereign over all creation, and His wonders are beyond human explanation, then man really has nothing to tell God. Elihu cautions Job that maybe he doesn't really want a day in court with God.

"The Almighty -- we cannot find Him; He is exalted in power" (37:23). Yes, God is exalted and beyond our comprehension. But Elihu continues in the assumption that Job is suffering because of his unrighteousness and urges him to repent. "And He will not do violence to justice and abundant righteousness. Therefore men fear Him; He does not regard any who are wise of heart."

REFLECTION
Elihu is right - God is way above our comprehension. We cannot fully understand what He is doing or why He does things the way He does. God is sovereign over us, and we cannot fully understand it. "Man's steps are ordained by the Lord. How then can man understand his ways?" (Proverbs 20:24) and "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Prov 16:9). We make plans and act on them, but God is ultimately the one in control.

APPLICATION
Once we accept the fact that God is sovereign over all, we then have to deal with the questions in our minds of why He does what He does. This is where Job is. He wants an explanation from God.

It is very humbling for us to have to accept the fact that we aren't in control and can't make God do what we want. But it is even more difficult, I think, to let God be in control without demanding an explanation from Him. Instead, we have to learn to trust Him.

PRAYER
Lord, we know in our minds that you are the only sovereign God. You have control over all of creation and all that happens to us. Our hearts struggle to relinquish control and to trust that you are doing what's best. But you promise that you make all things work together for the good of your children who love you. (Romans 8:28-29) We can't fully understand your ways, because you are beyond our comprehension. Help us to learn to trust you rather than demand explanations from you. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Job 31 - Job's Defense

LINK: Job 31

by Katrina

BACKGROUND
Job gives his defense -- He has been morally upright, guarding his heart against lust, deceit, and adultery. He has treated his servants well, cared for the needy, remained faithful to God (not trusting gold or idols), and has even taken good care of his land. "I am not guilty!" Job insists. "Let God answer me."

REFLECTION
Can any man declare himself perfectly innocent before God? Job was a righteous man -- God said so himself (remember the beginning of the book?), but he's not a sinless man. So, will his defense hold up in God's court?

Did he live an upright life for nothing, or was it of value? Satan argued that Job was righteous only because God rewarded him. Job's "friends" argue that Job has committed some serious sin to deserve this suffering. Both Satan and the "friends" are wrong, but is Job right? Will God vindicate him?

PRAYER
Lord, give us a right view of ourselves before you. Let us not become proud, but boast only in the work of Jesus in our lives. Only you can make us holy, upright, righteous. And only you are the ultimate judge of our lives. May your Holy Spirit work in our lives to make us holy. Amen.

Job 30 - Despondent Job

LINK: Job 30

by Katrina

BACKGROUND
In this chapter, Job talks about how those who used to honor him now mock him. The lowest of society, whom he used to help, now taunt him. Everyone has turned against him. He cries out to God, but God doesn't answer. God turns a deaf ear to Job and persecutes him instead. Although he has grieved with and helped the needy, now that he is needy all he gets is evil, no relief. He is a tortured man! He is constantly afflicted, cannot relax, and receives no comfort.

REFLECTION
Job is feeling utterly despondent. And in light of that hopeless feeling, this hymn came to my mind, especially the first verse and refrain.


Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

PRAYER
Lord, when we are weary and troubled, and all we can see is darkness, give us enough light to see you. Be our comfort. Amen.

Job 23-24 - "When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

LINK: Job 23 & 24

by Katrina

BACKGROUND

Job 23:1-12 - Job wants to talk to God, but he can't seem to find him. He knows that before his suffering began, he was upright before God, keeping His word. And Job knows that "when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job knows he's in the furnace by God's hand, and that he will come out on the other side purified and a better man.

Job 23:13-17 - Job recognizes God's sovereignty and that God can do whatever he wants with Job. So being in the presence of Almighty God is a frightening idea.

Job 24:1-17 - Job says that it seems like God is unjust, because He permits such wrongdoing in this world without punishing the one who is the criminal, abuser, cheater, liar, violent, adulterer, thief, etc.

Job 24:18-24 - Job pronounces a curse, or malediction, on the wicked. May they vanish and be forgotten. May they have no heirs, and may their sense of security and success be destroyed.

Job 24:25 - Job says to his friends, "Now just try to prove me wrong!"

These chapters reflect the frustration Job is feeling. He is confused about his situation and has some real questions. He doesn't understand what God is doing. His suffering might be more bearable if he only knew why he was suffering. He would repent if he knew the charges against him. He is hurt by his friends' condemnation. He tries to make them understand that God, justice, life, etc., aren't all so cut-and-dried as they think they are. He wants to talk with God, yet is afraid to be in God's presence. He wants God to clear his name and explain why all of this has happened to him. He had to be experiencing a great deal of turmoil in his heart and churning in his stomach.

PRAYER

Lord, you know our doubts, and you remind us that you will never leave us or forsake us. You understand our pain, because you suffered greatly. We don't understand your ways, but you assure us they are higher than our own. You know that we are weak, yet it's in our weakness, that your power may dwell. We don't like to be in the refining fire, Lord, but purify us, and when you have tried us, we will come forth as gold. Amen.

Job 22 - Round Three Begins with Eliphaz

LINK: Job 22

by Katrina

BACKGROUND
Eliphaz began the third round of "debate" with the same accusation as the previous two times. Eliphaz insisted that Job would not be having these troubles unless God was punishing him for some sin. He began with a series of sarcastic rhetorical questions (vs 1-5) ending with, "Is not your wickedness great, and your iniquities without end?" Then, he suggested several sins that maybe Job had committed (vs 6-11) and accused him of thinking he could hide his sin from God (vs 12-20). He concluded by urging Job to repent, and God would hear and forgive him (vs 21-30).

REFLECTION
It is true that repentance brings forgiveness, but Job hadn't done anything! Imagine how frustrated Job must have been feeling by this time. His friends were not comforting him at all, only condemning him. And he had no idea why he was suffering such loss. God seems to be unreachable, and the only people who will talk to him keep insisting that he must have done something terrible to deserve this suffering.

APPLICATION
If you were in Job's shoes, how would you respond to Eliphaz?

PRAYER
Father, give us hearts that are tender toward others, not accusing but understanding, not condemning but comforting, not assuming but allowing others to share their hearts. Let us learn to bring your comfort to those who are hurting. Amen.

Job 15 - Eliphaz, Round 2

LINK: Job 15

BACKGROUND
Just a little note -- I'm finding that as I read this book, I understand it better when I read it out loud.

Eliphaz is even harsher than before in this speech, but he's saying the same things again. (His first speech was chapters 4-5.) He said that the wisdom of ancestors is better than what Job things, and that Job's suffering could only be brought on by his own sin.

He calls Job a windbag and says he will condemn himself with his own words. "Do you think you are wise?" "What do you know that we don't know?" "Who do you think you are, saying that you haven't sinned?" (vs. 1-16).

Eliphaz says, "Listen to me, and I will share wisdom with you" (my paraphrase of vs. 17-18).

Then Eliphaz presents arguments against Job's claims. Job said that the wicked prosper (12:6), and Eliphaz says the wicked suffer pain, calamity, anguish, premature death, and loss of descendants (15:20-35). Eliphaz isn't speaking in generalities here; he is saying that these things are happening to Job because Job is wicked.

REFLECTION
Let's look at some New Testament passages that refute what Eliphaz is saying:

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6-8).

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison (2 Corinthians 4:17).

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you (1 Peter 5:10).

APPLICATION
Whether we are currently suffering or receiving blessing, the purpose of this life doesn't change -- All things are to bring about the glory of God. Satan is trying to dishonor God by proving that Job is righteous only because God blesses him. Job and his friends don't know about that "behind the scenes" encounter between God and Satan, but Eliphaz is playing right along with Satan.

PRAYER
Let us remember that the sufferings of this life can't even compare with the glory that is to be revealed to us in the next life, for you will glorify us (Romans 8:18, 30). Let us look to you, always, Lord, and seek your glory. Amen

Job 13 & 14

LINK: Job 13 & 14

BACKGROUND
Job continues talking to his friends and tells them that what they have told him is worthless. They think they speak for God, but they don't and God will reprove them for it.

Then he speaks to God and asks him to remove his oppressive hand and give Job some relief. Then he asks God to meet him and tell him why he has to suffer so.

In chapter 14, Job speaks of his hopelessness. Even a tree that is cut down has more hope of survival than Job does!

REFLECTION
Generally, when we suffer intense grief or pain, we have a human tendency toward hopelessness. True hope can only come from God, not man's philosophies. Poor Job, did not have all the revelation of God that we have today.

When Paul was suffering affliction he wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians, "For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ" (2 Cor 1:5). He went on to say:

For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves in order that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us (2 Cor 1:8-10)

APPLICATION
1 Peter 1:13 says, "Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Now that's something to put our hope in!

PRAYER
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Romans 15:13)

Job 8 - Bildad Speaks

LINK: Job 8

BACKGROUND
Now Job's second friend, Bildad, has some things to say. Basically, he says the same thing Eliphaz said, "you're suffering because you have sinned," but he is more blunt about it. He focuses on the righteousness of God and tells Job that if he will just confess his sin, God will surely restore him.

Then he gives three examples -- the papyrus, the spider, and the garden plant -- to illustrate his point. If the papyrus plant doesn't get enough water, it withers and dies. And likewise, Job has turned from God and will perish. And the spider's web cannot support anything, no matter how confidently you believe it will. Likewise, Job's confidence will eventually break and he will fall. And the garden plant -- nobody pulls up a perfectly good plant, because that will kill it. So, Job must not be good since God has uprooted him.

No, Bildad concludes, God wouldn't have brought calamity upon you if you were a man of integrity. You have done something terrible to deserve it.

REFLECTION
God IS righteous and holy and just and will not tolerate sin. However, Bildad has left out the facts that God is also love and shows mercy and forgiveness. We mustn't forget that either -- for ourselves or for our friends who may be suffering

APPLICATION
I am convinced that if God is discipining his child (you or me) for sin, then we *know* it in our heart. God disciplines us in love, not out of vindictiveness. So, if you're wondering if God is punishing you for something, then he isn't. Yes, God is a God of justice, but he is very longsuffering and most justice will not take place until the final judgment day. He gives many opportunities for repentance, because he is love. It is a lie of Satan that God is always "out to get us," and Satan has been using that lie on mankind since the Garden of Eden. Job was confident that he was not being punished by God for a particular sin. We know that there is suffering in this life, but we don't always have a direct cause-effect correlation.

PRAYER
Lord, we know that suffering is often a part of this life. We don't always understand it, and we are often confused about what role you play in our suffering. Help us not to lose heart, but to come to you daily and allow you to work in our hearts for the eternal benefit you offer. Because you are the all-loving, all-wise, ever-sovereign God, Amen.

Job 7 - Job "Vents" to God

LINK: Job 7

BACKGROUND
In this chapter, Job addresses God. He speaks of the futility of his life now and how quickly it is coming to an end. He still maintains that he has done nothing to deserve such poor treatment from God. He asks God, "Have I sinned?" And asks for forgiveness if he has.

REFLECTION/APPLICATION
Basically, Job is venting his frustration here. He feels he is being punished but didn't do anything wrong. He doesn't understand why God would make him a target and give him so much attention. There have been times in my life when I just couldn't figure out what God was doing. If you're in that kind of spot now, I encourage you to be honest with God. He can handle it. ;) I have found that some of David's psalms express my heart well, because he struggled with the same kind of difficulties. He was being hunted when he had done nothing wrong. He had to live on the run for years. It's often through the tough times in life that God works in our hearts. As this story unfolds, we'll see later what God said to Job. But first his "friends" have more to say to him.

PRAYER
Lord, let us seek you rather than turn from you in the tough times of life. Amen.

Esther 9 & 10 - Feast of Purim

LINK: Esther 9 & 10

BACKGROUND
The Jews had been given nine months to prepare for the attack of the Gentiles against them. They used that time to get themselves organized and armed, so when they were attacked on the specified date they were ready to defend themselves and their families. God had also been at work so that "the dread of them (the Jews) had fallen on all the peoples." God had done that before, when Israel prepared to enter the promised land (Deut 2:25). The people also feared Mordecai (Esther 9:3), because he was in a position of authority and would use that authority righteously.

So when the appointed day came, there were attacks against Jews all over the empire. But the Jews were able to defend themselves successfully against these attacks. Although they had been given permission to take the spoils of their attackers, they did not do it. They weren't out to gain wealth; they were only protecting themselves, their families, and their own property.

When the fighting ended, there was great rejoicing! Then Mordecai proclaimed an annual feast to celebrate the victory. The date was set for the 14th and 15th of Adar each year, and the feast was named Purim, which means lots, because Haman had cast lots to determine the date of the original attack against the Jews.

Today, the Jews begin their celebration on the 13th with a day of fasting to commemorate Haman's evil decree. They go to the synagogue where the entire book of Esther is read aloud. Whenever Haman's name is mentioned, they cry out, "May he be accursed!" or "May his name perish!" and children rattle their noisemakers.

Then on the 14th, they go to the synagogue again, and the entire book of Esther is read aloud again. The story of Moses and the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16) is also read on this day, and there is also a time of prayer.

After this time at the synagogue, families go home to celebrate the festive holiday meal with special foods and give gifts to each other. They send gifts and food to the poor as well (as Mordecai commanded), so they may also participate in the celebration.

REFLECTION
Mordecai and Esther saw God's hand in the events of their time, and they did not want the Jews to forget what happened. So they established the annual celebration of Purim for the Jewish people in all places, through all generations. We do tend to have short memories and can greatly benefit from reminders such as these. We celebrated Christmas last week, and although this celebration is never commanded by God, it serves as a good reminder to us of what Jesus did in order to obtain our salvation. We also commemorate specific events each year at Easter, as well as other holidays. These days of corporate celebration serve as great reminders of what God has done for us.

APPLICATION
We can also have personal or family celebrations to commemorate specific events in our lives. Some celebrate a second birthday each year, remembering the day they recognized Jesus as their personal savior. We can establish our own celebrations to remind us of how God brought us through difficult times or surprised us with some kind of provision for our physical or spiritual lives. What events in your life do/could you celebrate? Take some time to reflect and give honor and praise to God for what he has done at various points in your life or the life of your family.

PRAYER
Lord, you are worthy of much praise! You give us the strength to stand against our enemies. You provide for us and lead us in this life. We honor and praise you for what you have done. Amen.

Esther 7 & 8 - "This Wicked Haman!"

LINK: Esther 7 & 8

BACKGROUND
In chapter 7, Esther makes her request to the king. She reveals to him that someone has set out to destroy her and her people. This statement grabs the king's attention and probably puzzles him. He immediately wants to know who would presume to do such a thing. Esther identifies the enemy as Haman -- the king is enraged and Haman is terrified.

In his great anger, the king leaves the room to try to collect himself. While he is gone, Haman proceeds to beg for mercy from the queen -- his only chance for escape. While begging, he falls on the couch where Esther is reclined just in time for the king to reenter the room and accuse him of trying to molest the queen. Haman is doomed! The king orders him killed on the very gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.

In chapter 8, the king gives all of Haman's land and possessions to Esther, and she turns the management of the property over to Mordecai. Then the king also gives Haman's position, similar to prime minister, to Mordecai. He becomes second in command over the entire empire.

But the Jewish people are all still at risk of annihilation. Esther falls at the king's feet and weeps and implores him to avert the evil plot against the Jews. The king can't change the edict he gave earlier, but he allows Mordecai to write a new one allowing the Jews to defend themselves. Mordecai takes action immediately and writes a new edict, has it translated into all the languages of the empire and dispatched to every province by couriers on the royal steeds.

When the new decree reaches the Jews scattered throughout the empire, there is much rejoicing and celebration. Many observers are stricken with fear of the Jews, and many pagans apparently converted to Judaism or at least sided with the Jews.

REFLECTION
Galatians 6:7 says, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. Haman is an excellent picture of the principle "you reap what you sow" in life. Haman sowed hatred and violence and reaped the wrath of the king and a violent death for himself. Haman's pride led to his destruction, as Carol discussed yesterday. Haman is such a great example of what NOT to be in life.

We can look at the responses and actions of Mordecai and Esther and see the flip side of "you reap what you sow." They demonstrated humility and were thereby raised to positions of honor. They responded to Haman's edict with prayer and fasting before God, seeking His guidance and direction. Esther approached the king carefully, with great wisdom and perfect timing. I believe that was a direct answer to their prayers.

APPLICATION
The Galatians 6 passage goes on to say, "For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." Let's meditate on that thought today.

PRAYERLord, you promise vengeance on your enemies, but you also promise blessing to those who love you. Teach us to trust your timing and to allow you to be God. Show us ways we can "sow to the Spirit" so we may reap the blessings of the Spirit. Let us see ways we can do good to others, not from impure motives but out of our love for you. Remind us to be humble before you and before men, so that all that we do may bring honor and glory to your holy name. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Ezra Character Study Summary

EZRA CHARACTER STUDYHere are my observations and thoughts. Please feel free to continue sharing yours.

The man Ezra
Ezra was a direct descendant of Aaron, through the line of Eleazar and Phineas. While living in exile in Babylon, he took his role as priest very seriously and studied God's word and became "skilled in the law of Moses" (7:6). He lived a life that gained favor with King Artaxerxes (7:21). Artaxerxes trusted Ezra and gave him authority to appoint civil leaders (7:25).

Character Traits
Trustworthy - Artaxerxes transfered a considerable amount of authority to Ezra and trusted him not to use that authority against him.

Passion - Ezra had a passion for God's Word - knowing it, keeping it, teaching it. He states his passion in 7:10, and demonstrates it through his actions in chapters 9-10.

Trust God rather than man - He chose not to ask for troops and horsemen to protect them while they traveled (8:22), rather, he trusted God to provide safety.

Humility - Ezra was totally humbled before God. He gave God the credit for everything (7:27-28), and demonstrated his humility when he tore his garments, pulled out some of his hair, and prostrated himself before the temple (9:3-5). He was focused entirely on God, not what others would think.

Sensitive to sin - Ezra truly mourned the sin of the people even though he himself had not committed the sin and continued to mourn even after the decision to put away the foreign wives had been made (10:6).

Leadership Style
Ezra gathered people around himself to whom he could teach God's law (7:10). He also gathered people to volunteer to return to Jerusalem to establish worship of God there (7:13).

He led the people mostly by example. He led the people to fast and pray when confronted with safety issues (8:22). When he was informed about the sin among the people, he responded to the sin himself (9:3). He didn't tell everyone else how they should respond; he simply acted. The people followed his lead and wept bitterly over their sin (10:1).

When it came time to execute a plan, Ezra relied on the advice of Shecaniah. Shecaniah encouraged Ezra to tell the people what they must do (10:2-4). Ezra took the responsibility to require the men to put away their foreign wives, but when it came time to actually carry that out, he delegated the task to capable leaders (10:16). Ezra was not an administrator, but was wise enough to assign those administrative tasks to trustworthy men so they would still get done.

PERSONAL REFLECTION
This is my own personal reflection. Yours may be different, and you are welcome to share.

Ezra is a kind of leader I can relate to. I, like him, have a passion to study and know God's word, to practice it, and to teach it to others. I tend to gather small groups around me to teach. Although I can do administrative type work, I'd rather not. The more I spend time with God and his word, the more I come to detest sin, but I think I'm more desensitized than Ezra to the sin around me. I have sometimes wept bitterly over my sin, though. I tend to be reserved, so I've thought a lot about Ezra's public display of emotion over the sin of the people. I think his outward example was very valuable to the people, so I wonder if a little more outward expression of my heart would be beneficial to others.

PRAYER
Father, thank you for your word. Thank you that you are a personal God who is involved in our lives. Thank you for the opportunities to teach others about you and your word. Teach me to see sin more like you see it and not to take it lightly. Keep teaching my heart to conform to you and always point people to Jesus. Amen.

Ezra 10 - Character Study

LINK: Ezra 10
CHARACTER STUDY
How does Ezra's behavior demonstrate his heart attitudes?

How does Ezra act on what he believes to be true?


SUMMARY
I have enjoyed doing a character study. I hope you have, too. Summarize what you have observed about the man Ezra in these four chapters. Please post a comment sharing your observations. What have you learned from Ezra about prayer, obedience, view of God, response to sin, actions, reactions, etc.? What character qualities did Ezra demonstrate? How can you apply what you've learned to your own life?

I will post my summary later today in a separate post.

Ezra 9 - Character Study

LINK: Ezra 9

BACKGROUND
A few months after his arrival in Jerusalem, Ezra met with some of the leaders and was informed of the many mixed marriages among the priests, Levites, civil leaders, and the people in general in the land. It's possible that this occurred after the reading of the law described in Nehemiah 8. This was likely an official report, in accordance with the decree of Artaxerxes to "keep the law of your God and the law of your king" (Ezra 7:25-26). The law was given in Exodus 34 and Deuteronomy 7 that they were not to marry the pagan Canaanites when they entered the land. The sin is not mixed racial or ethnic marriages, rather it is an issue of religious holiness.

CHARACTER STUDY

What kind of attitudes, actions, reactions, etc. do you see in Ezra in this chapter?

How does Ezra view God?

What is his view of himself and the other Israelites before God?

How does Ezra respond to sin?

Ezra 8 - Character Study

LINK: Ezra 8

CHARACTER STUDY

What do you learn about Ezra's prayer life in this chapter?

How did he respond to fear?

What is his view of himself in relation to God?

Add any other observations you might have about Ezra and his leadership.

Ezra 7 - Character Study

LINK: Ezra 7

We are going to switch gears a bit here and do a character study on Ezra. Later, Carol will lead a character study on Nehemiah and then a comparison between the two men. As we read these four chapters about Ezra, I will pose questions each day to help us consider who Ezra was and what he did. My main purpose is to get us thinking along the lines of a character study. Please feel free to go beyond these questions as you consider the man Ezra and what you can learn from his character. On Friday, when we finish this book, I'd like to invite you to share your observations summarizing the character of Ezra.

BACKGROUND
Ezra chapter six ends in 516 B.C. with the completion of the temple in Jerusalem. Priests and Levites were performing their duties and the spiritual rituals were being observed. Now we fast-forward 58 years to chapter seven. (The story of Esther took place in Persia during that 58 year gap.)

Chapters 7-10 of Ezra describe Ezra's return to Jerusalem during the reign of Artaxerxes. Ezra led a group of people from Babylon to Jerusalem in 458 B.C. Artaxerxes provided Ezra with a decree that allowed any and all Israelites in the kingdom of Persia to join Ezra if they so chose. This decree also provided financing and gave Ezra authority to institute God's law in Jerusalem.

CHARACTER STUDY

What is the purpose and significance of Ezra's genealogy?

Who is Ezra? What kind of work did he do in Babylon?

What do you learn about Ezra's heart in this chapter?

What can you learn about Ezra's relationship with God from the final two verses?

Based on his decree, what do you think Artaxerxes thought of Ezra?

Ezra 6 - Completion of the Temple

LINK: Ezra 6

BACKGROUND
Darius received Tattenai's letter and investigated the decree that Zerubbabel claimed was issued by Cyrus. He found the decree that Cyrus had issued and sent word to Tattenai to leave the Jews alone and let them rebuild the temple. He also ordered Tattenai to pay building expenses out of the royal treasury.

Four years later, the temple was completed in the spring of 515 B.C. There was a joyous dedication of the temple followed by the celebration of Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread. They were very anxious to do everything just as it had been commanded in the Law.

REFLECTION
Once again, God used pagan rulers to accomplish his plan. He uses our secular government to accomplish his will as well. But regardless of what the government does, we are still responsible to live our lives according to God's word.

APPLICATION
The first year of this Bible Book Club is coming to a close, and I am learning and understanding more and more about God and my relationship to him as I study each day. I am very thankful for this opportunity and accountability to dig into God's word. If you are "behind" I want to encourage you to keep pressing on. And as we read and study, we need to keep adjusting our thinking to line up with God.

PRAYER
Lord, you are the creator who formed the earth. You set the boundaries of nations. You determine each person's length of life. You give each of us work to do in this life. Teach us to submit to your wise rule over us, to know you and your word, and to trust you enough to obey you regardless of what the people around us think. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Ezra 5 - Encouragement

LINK: Ezra 5

BACKGROUND
Jerusalem, 520 B.C.

Haggai was sent by God to speak to the Jews. Haggai said, "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate?" (Haggai 1:4). The next month Haggai encouraged the Jews, "'But now take courage, Zerubbabel,' declares the Lord, 'take courage also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage,' declares the Lord, 'and work; for I am with you,' says the Lord of hosts" (Haggai 2:4). You can read Haggai's complete messages here.

God also sent Zechariah to speak to the people and to say, "Thus says the Lord of hosts, 'Return to Me,' declares the Lord of hosts, 'that I may return to you,' says the Lord of hosts. 'Do not be like your fathers . . . (who) did not listen or give heed to Me,' declares the Lord" (Zechariah 1:3-5).

So, with this encouragement, the building project began again on the temple.

Then Tattenai showed up and questioned the authorization to build. He doesn't seem to be antagonistic like Rehum and Shimshai had been (chap 4), but is likely just verifying the story he got from Zerubbabel. So Tattenai wrote a letter to Darius to confirm the autorization Zerubbabel claimed to have to build the temple. He referred to Zerubbabel by his other name, Sheshbazzar in the letter.

PRAYER
Father, thank you that when you call us to do your work, you also provide encouragement for us. Help us remember to rely on you, rather than ourselves, and to do the work you give us to do. Amen.

Ezra 3-4 -- Opposition

LINK: Ezra 3-4

BACKGROUND
In chapter three, Zerubbabel led the people to set up the altar and begin worshiping God. They began celebrating the feasts and daily sacrifices as they were laid out in the Law. Once the sacrifices were established, they began work on the foundation of the temple. When the foundation was complete in 535 B.C., there was great rejoicing.

Chapter four makes more sense if you think of verses 6-23 as a parenthesis that explains verse five. It tells of the local resistance Zerubbabel faced. People living in the area did not want the temple to be rebuilt. They wrote to King Artaxerxes telling him that these Jews were plotting to rebel against him. Artaxerxes believed the letter and ordered a halt on the building project. The work stopped until Darius reversed the order in 520 B.C.

REFLECTION
Twice we are told of the fear the returning exiles had of the people who lived in the land. "So they set up the altar on its foundation, for they were terrified because of the peoples of the lands; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, burnt offerings morning and evening" (3:3). "Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah, and frightened them from building (4:4).

Despite the fear they experienced, the people of Judah kept working (until they were ordered by a higher authority to stop). They did not quit out of fear. In fact, their fear spurred them on to get the altar constructed and start worshiping God as quickly as possible.

APPLICATION
We all have fears. We tend to respond to fear by being tentative, hesitating, reconsidering, waiting, and withdrawing. Courage isn't the absence of fear; it's doing the hard thing despite the fear we feel in our hearts. It's a decision to place trust outside ourselves and move forward, even though it's a scary thing to do.

What fears are holding you back from God? Fear of failure? Fear of opposition? Fear of ridicule? Talk to God about your fears, and trust him to give you courage. Then, even though it's scary, take that step of obedience and do that hard thing.

PRAYER
Father, you have not given us a spirit of fear and timidity. Instead you have given us power and courage. Help us to go push past our fears into trusting and obeying you. Amen.