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
I.WIth this reading in Ezra we begin reading a set of Scriptures that invite us to think about restoration, liberation, and freedom. And in the background of that is this remark from Ezra 1:11, … the exiles were brought up … Continue reading
VIII.As we reflect on our two focus Scripture passages for this week, hold these two statements of Job in mind “… I know that my Redeemer lives …” Job 19:25 “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, … Continue reading
V.As we return to Job’s words, I wonder what we should make of his statement – “… therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:6) VI.Job 19:19-27 (New Revised Standard Version) All my intimate friends abhor … Continue reading
I.When I started this project of sharing prompts for reflections, I elected to follow the Scripture passages selected for the International Sunday School Lesson series (also referred to as the Uniform Series). While it is not used by as many … Continue reading
VIII.Let’s read Bildad’s words again. After you read them, give some thought to how and where you might have heard any echoes of these words. IX.Job 8:1-10 (New Revised Standard Version) Then Bildad the Shuhite answered:“How long will you say … Continue reading
IV.Let’s pick up with the question about Bildad we left with the other day – “What kind of friend is he?” V.Job 8:1-10 (New Revised Standard Version) Then Bildad the Shuhite answered:“How long will you say these things,and the words … Continue reading