"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
Nehemiah 1:1-3:14
Then I said to them, "You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach." Nehemiah 2:17 (NKJV)
Many of the stories that we find in the Old Testament have great meaning to us beyond simple history. Such it is with the story of Nehemiah.
Ezra had overseen the rebuilding of Solomon's Temple. About fifteen years later, Nehemiah arrives to lead in building a wall around the city of Jerusalem. The Temple stand for worship and relationship with God. The walls stand for the way we live our life in the world. Here's the important truth we need to grasp: It is very possible to have a good vertical relationship with God while in your personal life "the walls are broken down." You know and love God, but you are constantly under attack and being beaten up by the devil
The message of the book of Nehemiah is that we need to have walls of strength built in our personal lives so that we can live to the glory of God. When our "walls" are broken down, we are vulnerable and suffer continual set-backs. When the "walls" are built, we can live in discipline, protection, and hope.
In Nehemiah's day, the walls were built with brick and mortar. In our day, they are built with forgiveness, healing, truth, integrity, and all the host of Christian virtues. May you take ground today! May your defenses be steadfast! May you grow in grace and truth. Such is a blessed life.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Return to Your God
"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
Ezra 10:1-44
The Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, "You have transgressed and have taken pagan wives, adding to the guilt of Israel. Now therefore, make confession to the Lord God of your fathers, and do His will; separate yourselves from the peoples of the land, and from the pagan wives." Ezra 10:10-11 (NKJV)
Israel had returned from Babylonian captivity. After 70 years of exile, they had come home. Their original problem had been idolatry. They had gone after foreign gods until God finally poured out judgment. Now they were already falling back into the same patterns. By intermarrying with pagan wives, they were opening themselves up to compromise in their very households.
This is symbolic of a problem we encounter today. We are called to evangelize the world, but unfortunately too often the world evangelizes us. Marriage is an earthly symbol of our spiritual relationship with God. We are to be totally in love with Him. Unfortunately, too often we have divided hearts. We love "pagan wives." We get joined to the world in such a way that it challenges our love relationship with Jesus.
God has one answer for that: REPENT. If a man or woman were cheating on their earthly spouse, what is the best immediate advice you could give them? That's simple. QUIT!!! Break the bad linkage. Don't negotiate; don't think about it; don't try to figure it out. Just QUIT IT.
That may seem harsh to some people. But it is the only answer to spiritual adultery. RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE. That is what Ezra called for Israel to do in his day, and that is what God calls for us to do today.
Ezra 10:1-44
The Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, "You have transgressed and have taken pagan wives, adding to the guilt of Israel. Now therefore, make confession to the Lord God of your fathers, and do His will; separate yourselves from the peoples of the land, and from the pagan wives." Ezra 10:10-11 (NKJV)
Israel had returned from Babylonian captivity. After 70 years of exile, they had come home. Their original problem had been idolatry. They had gone after foreign gods until God finally poured out judgment. Now they were already falling back into the same patterns. By intermarrying with pagan wives, they were opening themselves up to compromise in their very households.
This is symbolic of a problem we encounter today. We are called to evangelize the world, but unfortunately too often the world evangelizes us. Marriage is an earthly symbol of our spiritual relationship with God. We are to be totally in love with Him. Unfortunately, too often we have divided hearts. We love "pagan wives." We get joined to the world in such a way that it challenges our love relationship with Jesus.
God has one answer for that: REPENT. If a man or woman were cheating on their earthly spouse, what is the best immediate advice you could give them? That's simple. QUIT!!! Break the bad linkage. Don't negotiate; don't think about it; don't try to figure it out. Just QUIT IT.
That may seem harsh to some people. But it is the only answer to spiritual adultery. RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE. That is what Ezra called for Israel to do in his day, and that is what God calls for us to do today.
Monday, August 8, 2011
The Delivery of God's Word
"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
Ezra 7:1-8:20
One the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel. Ezra 7:9-10 (NKJV)
Ezra made a four month journey to deliver the Word of God. Even though he was traveling back to his original home, his journey is similar to the Great Commission. He went to make disciples. He went carrying precious cargo for the purpose of raising up a new generation of God-seekers/God-followers.
God was with him in the journey. It says here that "the good hand of God was upon him." Jesus said the same thing: "...and lo, I am with you always" (Matt. 28:20). He will be with us as we step out of our comfort zones and into His mission. It may be across an ocean or across the street. This is His heart -- for those who have not heard or been taught.
Ezra "prepared his heart." This is important. Scripture says that "the preparations of the heart belong to man" (Prov. 16:1). It is our responsibility to prepare our heart for God's service. We do this by keeping it clean and clear -- in communion with God -- free and alive.
Then Ezra did three things: the NKJV says he prepared his heart to "seek" the Law of God. Another translation says "STUDY." Ezra was a continual studier of the Word. He did not rely on yesterday's teaching. He always sought "fresh bread." Then, he DID it. Ezra did not study the Bible simply to be smart or impressive. He wanted to do what he learned. This leads to the third thing he did: he TAUGHT. Ezra did not consider the goal of his life to be himself. He wanted others to benefit. He became a conduit for blessing.
God calls us all to do as Ezra did. Get into God's Word, then live it, then share it. God Himself has promised that His hand will be upon us as we do this.
Ezra 7:1-8:20
One the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel. Ezra 7:9-10 (NKJV)
Ezra made a four month journey to deliver the Word of God. Even though he was traveling back to his original home, his journey is similar to the Great Commission. He went to make disciples. He went carrying precious cargo for the purpose of raising up a new generation of God-seekers/God-followers.
God was with him in the journey. It says here that "the good hand of God was upon him." Jesus said the same thing: "...and lo, I am with you always" (Matt. 28:20). He will be with us as we step out of our comfort zones and into His mission. It may be across an ocean or across the street. This is His heart -- for those who have not heard or been taught.
Ezra "prepared his heart." This is important. Scripture says that "the preparations of the heart belong to man" (Prov. 16:1). It is our responsibility to prepare our heart for God's service. We do this by keeping it clean and clear -- in communion with God -- free and alive.
Then Ezra did three things: the NKJV says he prepared his heart to "seek" the Law of God. Another translation says "STUDY." Ezra was a continual studier of the Word. He did not rely on yesterday's teaching. He always sought "fresh bread." Then, he DID it. Ezra did not study the Bible simply to be smart or impressive. He wanted to do what he learned. This leads to the third thing he did: he TAUGHT. Ezra did not consider the goal of his life to be himself. He wanted others to benefit. He became a conduit for blessing.
God calls us all to do as Ezra did. Get into God's Word, then live it, then share it. God Himself has promised that His hand will be upon us as we do this.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
A Day of Fulfillment
"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
Ezra 3:1-4:23
But many of the priests and Levites and heads of the father's houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this temple was laid before their eyes. Yet many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard afar off. Ezra 3:12-13 (NKJV)
What a scene! After much labor, much struggle, and overcoming much discouragement, the foundation was laid. For young and old, this brought forth a flood of emotions. Old men began to weep. The young shouted for joy. This was truly a "God moment". The long-awaited promise had come into reality.
Such moments are part of our faith journey in God. We work. We wait. We hope. We endure. The worst thing we can do is quit - give up - cease. God has promised that if we continue with Him a day is coming in which our joy will be full even to overflow. God's promises never fail. They simply may be long in coming.
ENDURE. CONTINUE. Your eyes will see the goodness of God in the land of the living.
Ezra 3:1-4:23
But many of the priests and Levites and heads of the father's houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this temple was laid before their eyes. Yet many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard afar off. Ezra 3:12-13 (NKJV)
What a scene! After much labor, much struggle, and overcoming much discouragement, the foundation was laid. For young and old, this brought forth a flood of emotions. Old men began to weep. The young shouted for joy. This was truly a "God moment". The long-awaited promise had come into reality.
Such moments are part of our faith journey in God. We work. We wait. We hope. We endure. The worst thing we can do is quit - give up - cease. God has promised that if we continue with Him a day is coming in which our joy will be full even to overflow. God's promises never fail. They simply may be long in coming.
ENDURE. CONTINUE. Your eyes will see the goodness of God in the land of the living.
Friday, August 5, 2011
The Greatest Endeavor
"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
Ezra 1:1-2:70
Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house Jerusalem which is in Judah. Ezra 1:2 (NKJV)
Restoration is an amazing, awe-inspiring event. It is also extremely rare. Few people really deny themselves for the sake of a greater cause. Paul once said "all seek their own, and not the things that are of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 2:21) The vast majority of humanity is devoted to one end: self.
There is a greater, eternal cause: the building of a house for our God. This house is eternal. In the days of Cyrus it was located in Jerusalem. Today it is located in the shared hearts of all those who follow Jesus.
There is no greater cause. It is worth all our efforts. May a house, an abode be built on earth in which Almighty God can show Himself mighty. There is nothing greater.
Ezra 1:1-2:70
Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house Jerusalem which is in Judah. Ezra 1:2 (NKJV)
Restoration is an amazing, awe-inspiring event. It is also extremely rare. Few people really deny themselves for the sake of a greater cause. Paul once said "all seek their own, and not the things that are of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 2:21) The vast majority of humanity is devoted to one end: self.
There is a greater, eternal cause: the building of a house for our God. This house is eternal. In the days of Cyrus it was located in Jerusalem. Today it is located in the shared hearts of all those who follow Jesus.
There is no greater cause. It is worth all our efforts. May a house, an abode be built on earth in which Almighty God can show Himself mighty. There is nothing greater.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Source of Our Strength
"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
II Chronicles 35:1-36:23
There had been no Passover kept in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet; and none of the kings of Israel had kept such a Passover as Josiah kept... II Chronicles 35:18 (NKJV)
Josiah was one of the greatest kings in Israel's history. He restored the worship of God. He brought back the primacy of God's Word. However, it was too little too late. Within a few years God's judgment would fall on Judah and they would be carried off to Babylonian captivity for 70 years.
The writer of Chronicles makes an amazing observation. In all the years since the days of Samuel, there had been no proper celebration of the Passover! No wonder Israel had steadily grown weaker and weaker.
Let's give present day application. The celebration of Passover points to the central significance of the Cross of Christ. In the Old Testament, they looked FORWARD. In the New Testament, we look BACK. Failure to "celebrate" the Passover means failure to love and revel in the Cross. A Cross-less Christianity is destined to die. A life focused on what God has done for us in Christ will always be strong.
Let's celebrate the Passover today! Not the formal ceremonial ritual, but instead the inward adoration of our awesome Savior - crucified, buried, and risen again.
II Chronicles 35:1-36:23
There had been no Passover kept in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet; and none of the kings of Israel had kept such a Passover as Josiah kept... II Chronicles 35:18 (NKJV)
Josiah was one of the greatest kings in Israel's history. He restored the worship of God. He brought back the primacy of God's Word. However, it was too little too late. Within a few years God's judgment would fall on Judah and they would be carried off to Babylonian captivity for 70 years.
The writer of Chronicles makes an amazing observation. In all the years since the days of Samuel, there had been no proper celebration of the Passover! No wonder Israel had steadily grown weaker and weaker.
Let's give present day application. The celebration of Passover points to the central significance of the Cross of Christ. In the Old Testament, they looked FORWARD. In the New Testament, we look BACK. Failure to "celebrate" the Passover means failure to love and revel in the Cross. A Cross-less Christianity is destined to die. A life focused on what God has done for us in Christ will always be strong.
Let's celebrate the Passover today! Not the formal ceremonial ritual, but instead the inward adoration of our awesome Savior - crucified, buried, and risen again.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
National and Personal Revival
"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
II Chronicles 33:14-34:33
Then the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the Lord, to follow the Lord, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul...And he made all who were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin take a stand. II Chronicles 34:31-32 (NKJV)
National revival must be accompanied by personal revival. Josiah was one of the greatest kings of Judah. He "stood in his place" and made covenant with God. He did this both for himself and for his nation.
He reformed the outward structures but he also made a personal commitment to follow the Lord "with all his heart and all his soul". Then he led all the people to take the same step.
I am impressed with the phrase "in his place". Where is your place? Where do you take a stand? God has granted each one of us a particular "place" in which we live and move and make decisions. We sometimes refer to a persons "place" as their entire life situation.
The beginning of all true reform and all true progress is to stand "in your place" and make covenant with Almighty God. This will change your world. When we all do this, we will have national revival!
II Chronicles 33:14-34:33
Then the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the Lord, to follow the Lord, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul...And he made all who were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin take a stand. II Chronicles 34:31-32 (NKJV)
National revival must be accompanied by personal revival. Josiah was one of the greatest kings of Judah. He "stood in his place" and made covenant with God. He did this both for himself and for his nation.
He reformed the outward structures but he also made a personal commitment to follow the Lord "with all his heart and all his soul". Then he led all the people to take the same step.
I am impressed with the phrase "in his place". Where is your place? Where do you take a stand? God has granted each one of us a particular "place" in which we live and move and make decisions. We sometimes refer to a persons "place" as their entire life situation.
The beginning of all true reform and all true progress is to stand "in your place" and make covenant with Almighty God. This will change your world. When we all do this, we will have national revival!
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