This week’s readings will finish the second and third phases of the exile’s return to rebuild Jerusalem. The first phase, led by Zerubabbel, focused on the rebuilding of the Temple. The second was led by Ezra, and the focus was on the rebuilding of the people and the people’s understanding of God’s word. A reminder that the books of Ezra and Nehemiah were originally one work by one author that was later divided. Nehemiah focuses on the third and final phase of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. These phases are significant because each one should remind the Israelites (and us) that God is protecting and restoring His people. Through Ezra and Nehemiah, God also reminds His people of the importance of their faithfulness to Him. Nehemiah will lead the people to covenant renewal through confessing past sin and following the Torah. Another key point is that God is faithful to complete His promise to Abraham in spite of His people’s inability to be perfectly faithful. God promised many times through other prophets to bring the Israelites out of exile into a new kingdom. He also promised to give them a new heart. However, there seems to be a missing piece or delay. For example, at the dedication of the rebuilt Temple, there was no fire from heaven like the Tabernacle and Solomon’s Temple as you might expect. We know the Big Picture is pointing toward Jesus.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading Links - Week 52
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament, starting with the beginning. How do we understand so many stories and lessons while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Ezekiel, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Read Leviticus 9:22-24. Read 2 Chronicles 7:1-3. What are the similarities in these passages? Read Ezra 6:14-22. How is this dedication different from the others? Where is God still clearly involved in the passage?
Read Deuteronomy 7:1-11. What were the Israelites commanded to do and why? How is their sanctification tied to God’s reputation among the peoples?
Read Ezra 9:1-3. What was the sin of the returned exiles? Why was Ezra so upset in light of Israel’s history?
Read Nehemiah 9:1-3. What was the difference in the people from Ezra 9:1-3 to Nehemiah 9:1-3? How might God’s faithfulness in protecting His people during the rebuilding have affected them?
Read Nehemiah 9:32-38. How is Nehemiah describing the people, their circumstances, and God? What is he asking of God? How does Christ secure the blessings Nehemiah is asking for?
SHARE IT.
Read Ezra 8:21-23. What is a core principle illustrated by Ezra that applies to us today?
Read Nehemiah 2:2-4. What might you learn about prayer from this passage? What might you learn about how to handle stressful situations by asking God for help?
Read Nehemiah 4:9-14. What does this passage teach us about prayer and preparedness?
Read Hebrews 4:16. In light of Nehemiah 9:2 and Hebrews 4:16, how might our understanding of Christ give us an advantage to approach God boldly over those in Nehemiah’s day?
Read Romans 8:17. How does Christ secure your future even when your circumstances seem dire like Nehemiah 9:32-38?
FINAL THOUGHT
The Israelites end this week in Nehemiah 10 with a commitment to return to following God’s commandments, but there is much left undone as the people wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises to them. Only God’s steadfast love has brought God’s people back to the promised land. However, it is important to remember that it is God’s steadfast love for Himself, His own name, and His glory that then is extended in gracious love to us. John Piper explains that God seeking His own glory is the best thing for all, and it takes man out of the center of the story and puts God there. As mentioned before, Christ is the Temple through which God’s presence is with His people. The fire that did not fall at the dedication of the rebuilt Temple fell on Christ on the cross. Jesus took God’s wrath so that we could also become Temples of the Holy Spirit. Now, we also look for the coming Messiah to rule and reign, fulfilling all the promises that people in Nehemiah’s day were also looking for.
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