IV.The other day I came across these words in Leviticus, Do what I tell you;live the way I tell you.I am the God who makes you holy.(Leviticus 20:8, The Message) These sentences from Deuteronomy speak to what the Israleites had … Continue reading
I.As this post is sent out today, it is the day after the Third Sunday in Lent. The Gospel reading for yesterday was Luke 13:1-9. In verses 1-5 of that reading twice Jesus addresses the question of the relation of … Continue reading
VII.Have you ever experienced anything similar to what this passage describes in gatherings and/or worship in your faith community? VIII.Ezra 6:13-22 (New Revised Standard Version) Then, according to the word sent by King Darius, Tattenai, the governor of the province … Continue reading
IV.As you read this passage can you see and hear their joy? V.Ezra 6:13-22 (New Revised Standard Version) Then, according to the word sent by King Darius, Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates … Continue reading
I.Here we read, “They finished their building … celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy…. [they] kept the passover … with joy they celebrated.” As you read this passage, notice what brings joy to these folk, and … Continue reading
VIII.Why? Why does the King take the actions he does and what might come of them? IX.Ezra 6:1-12 (New Revised Standard Version) Then King Darius made a decree, and they searched the archives where the documents were stored in Babylon. … Continue reading
IV.As your read this Scripture passage, notice what is “brought back to the temple” and to Jerusalem. V.Ezra 6:1-12 (New Revised Standard Version) Then King Darius made a decree, and they searched the archives where the documents were stored in … Continue reading
I.It seems this week’s Scripture sounds very similar to last week’s Scripture passage. Maybe the first thing we need to do in reading this passage is to notice not only what stands out to us, but also what is similar … Continue reading
IX.As you spend time with this Scripture today, notice who “invests” in the Israelites return. X.Ezra 1:1-8 (New Revised Standard Version) In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in order that the word of the Lord by the … Continue reading
IV.As you read these Scripture passages, once again pay attention to who is identified and what they contribute to the return of the exiles to Jerusalem and the towns of Israel. V.Ezra 1:1-8 (New Revised Standard Version) In the first … Continue reading