Passage
Ezra 5:1-17 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.
God Was Watching over Them
Date: Sep. 25, 2014
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 5:5
First, God’s word inspires the builders (1-5). Enemies had hindered the work of rebuilding and discouraged the workers. The Jews’ initial zeal for the temple faded into selfishness and the mundane. God raised prophets to proclaim his word to the people. Haggai rebuked the people for neglecting the temple reconstruction (Hag 1:9-11). Zechariah prophesied future hope (Zech 1:16-17, 3, 4:6-10). Joshua and Zerubbabel responded to God’s word by restarting the work on the temple. When they obeyed God’s word, God also watched over them. Man’s hindrance cannot stop God’s work.
Second, a letter to King Darius (6-17). Tattenai and some other officials wrote a letter to King Darius. The letter contained the testimony of the Jewish elders. Solomon’s temple had been a symbol of God’s grace. But when the Israelites angered God, he allowed Nebuchadnezzar to destroy the temple and deport the people. Later Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild the temple and the temple articles were returned. The Jewish elders believed God’s grace and sovereignty over all history.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for watching over and protecting us when we participate in your work.
One Word: God’s eye is watching over us
