The Bible in 12 Days : Discover God’s Story of RedemptionSample
Part 9: Rebuilding as God’s People
Scripture Covering this Period:
- Ezra 7-10
- Nehemiah
- Esther
- Malachi
Dates:
- 516 - 400BC
Main Points:
1. Because of disappointments, returnees struggled to remain wholly faithful to God:
- No return of God’s presence to the Second Temple;
- Israel is now Judea, a province of Persia, ruled by a governor instead of a son of David.
2. Ezra and Nehemiah initiate reforms and work to rebuild the people.
Summary:
Though the returned exiles did not turn to idolatry (like their forefathers), their worship grew stale and lethargic. The prophets had promised a Messianic King, reunification between Israel and Judah, and the return of God’s presence among them. But their experience seemed nothing like the depictions of restoration they had heard about from the prophets. Through the reformations of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Malachi, the people recommitted themselves to faithfulness to God. They renewed their focus on having faith in Him while they waited for Him to fulfill every promise.
About this Plan
This plan is a guide to discover God’s story as it unfolds in the Bible - from Genesis through Revelation. Over 12 days, each devotional will introduce one part of that story. Each will list the Scripture passages covering that period, and dates, highlight its main points and briefly summarize the part it plays within the context of God’s redemptive plan. The Bible reading each day should take about 30 minutes.
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