Power Read The Bible In 60 Days With Jeff Andersonنموونە

Day 23

TURNING POINT

[Scheduled Reading: 2 Chronicles 36, Ezra, Nehemiah 1-7]

The books Ezra and Nehemiah are significant turning points for the story of Israel. 

After a 70-year exile, God opens the door for a return to Jerusalem. Notice the language in Ezra 1:1 (and again in Chapter 6) of how God uses other leaders, like Cyrus king of Persia, to give a new birth for the Israelite nation. There's a mega-theme for us here - GOD GETS HIS WAY… ALWAYS!

Through the leadership of Ezra, the people return to rebuild the temple. And through Nehemiah, they rebuild the wall. Together they help to restore working order for Judah.

And guess who happens to be among the named exiles who returns to Jerusalem in Ezra 2:2?

Zerubbabel!

“And who is Zerubbabel?” you ask.

He’s a descendant of David - and the one who will carry The Seed forward. (You'll find his name sprinkled nine times throughout Ezra and Nehemiah. Can you find them :) 

And guess who surfaces exactly ten more generations into the future from Zerubbabel?

Joseph, the carpenter… the father of Jesus.  

The big picture is coming into view.