Ezra 5—6: God's Surprises
WHO WOULD YOU say is the most powerful person on earth today? Imagine you receive a letter from that person stating that they wanted to help your Christian community fulfill its mission and that all they wanted from you was a list of your needs so that they could be sure that they sent enough supplies and money. This was the joyful experience of the Israelites.
Warming Up to God
Reflect on how powerful God is. What signs of his power have you recently witnessed?
Read Ezra 5—6. »
Discovering the Word
- How do these chapters compare and contrast with chapter 4?
- How would you feel after an encounter like the one in 5:3-4?
- What good news did the Israelites hear in the letter of King Cyrus (6:1-12)?
- How do you suppose the people of Israel felt when the temple was finally complete (6:13-15)?
- What did they do when the temple was completed (6:16-22)?
Applying the Word
- How can chapter 5 help you to press on in doing God's work in the face of opposition?
- What does it mean to you that God is able to use the most powerful people on earth (like Cyrus) to further his purpose?
- How can worship be a stronger part of your response to God's faithfulness?
Responding in Prayer
Praise the God who holds the hearts and minds of the most powerful rulers in his hands.