Day 34: 2 Chronicles 35:16-Ezra 10:44 - 90 Day Challenge

Return to Jerusalem 

Putting God Back in the Forefront 

Today's reading begins with a few more kings and ultimately, the fall of Jerusalem. Then Cyrus, the king of Persia, was appointed by God to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem, and calls the followers of God to go to it.

Moving on  to Ezra:

After Cyrus's proclamation, the number of descendants who return to help rebuild the temple are listed, totaling nearly 50,000. The people began to build the altar and the temple, and sing praises to the Lord of his enduring love. Some of the enemies began to oppose the building of the temple, and tried to convince everyone to stop working on it.

When Xerxes comes into power, he sends a letter to Artaxerxes making accusations against the people of Jerusalem and Judah. He said they wouldn't pay taxes, they would dishonor the king, and that they would cause much trouble since they were rebellious people. Artaxerxes responded by ordering the archives to be searched, which revealed that Jerusalem had a long history of revolt against kings, though taxes were paid to them. However he does tell Xerxes to order them to stop building, and they can only restart when he says so.

Haggai and Zechariah were both prophets, who began helping to rebuild the house of God. People tried to stop them, but the Lord was on their side--also, read Ezra 5:11-16 for their sassy response. Darius agrees with them and the construction of the temple proceeds.

Enter Ezra, descendant of Aaron. A teacher of the book of Moses and a man devoted to studying and observing the Law of the Lord. Artaxerxes commands Ezra to aid with the temple, and to provide teachings there, so Ezra returns to Jerusalem. He asks God for guidance as he brings the people back to Jerusalem.

Once they arrive in Jerusalem, they all begin confessing their sins. Ezra weeps for the people's direct disregard for the commands of God. The book ends with the names of those who intermarried with foreigners, which God had commanded them not to do.

Why was Ezra courageous? 

Because he persevered in his worship of God, even in difficult times. He led people back to Jerusalem. He faces the sins of a nation and carries them on his back. That's enough for more people, is it not? 

Tomorrow's reading: Nehemiah 1:1-Nehemiah 13:14

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jill Jafarace

Director of Student Ministry

New Leaf UMC