Reading
SAA Notes
Ezra recounts the return of some exiles to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. The focus in this list of returnees is on those who came to rebuild the Temple. They are mentioned by name! What God had promised through Jeremiah and Ezekiel came true!
SJA Notes
* God Above, may we not despise Your discipline, or be weary of Your reproof – For You reprove those who You love, as a father the son in whom he delights.
“Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.”
Here we see God at work, the king’s heart a stream of water in His hand, turning it as He sees fit.
A king, even a non-Israelite one like Cyrus, is directed by God to build a house of Jerusalem.
We have read of a similar direction to a king many generations before.
In 2 Chronicles 6, Solomon details God’s words to his father David,
“Nevertheless, it is not you who shall build the house, but your son who shall be born to you shall build the house for my name.”
Just as with Cyrus, God calls Solomon the king to build Him a house.
But these kings, and the houses they built, were temporary – bricks and mortar.
In Jesus we have a king who is building a house (the temple of His body, John 2) that is everlasting.
In Jesus we are joined as living stones being built up as spiritual house (1 Peter 2).
This passage reminds us that God continues to build His church through the ages – We are His house, little tabernacles where God dwells – Hallelujah!
* Holy God,
Thank You for building Your church through the ages.
Thank You that the rulers of this age are not outside Your will, their hearts are a stream of water in Your hand that You direct as You see fit.
Thank You for saving us, rebirthing us, transforming us, Your Spirit writing Your word on our hearts.
Please show us what You want us to know today.
Amen.