God's Touchpoints - The Prophetic Era (Part 4)Намуна

ISRAEL RESTORED TO RECEIVE CHRIST

When man fails
God prevails
What man kills
God rebuilds

Israel’s priests and kings crumble. Prophets are sidelined. Yet God’s all powerful hand orchestrates the return of Israel through the hand of pagan kings. When God wants to work, He will, in spite of us. It will, however, be to our benefit to align with Him, as some of the Jewish leaders and people do, at that time.

Zerubbabel, of the royal line and head of Judah leads the first wave of Jewish exiles to return in 536 B.C. (Ezra 1-6). During this time, Haggai and Zechariah motivate the Jews to continue. In 535 B.C. the construction of the temple begins, dedicated in Feb 18th, 516 B.C.

Ezra leads the second in March 455 B.C. (Ezra 7-10) comprising about 1500 men and their families.

Nehemiah leads the third in 445 B.C. (Neh 1-3)

These leaders encounter momentous opposition in various forms and overcome them with God’s strength.
• Dangers: The first contingent is protected from ambush during their journey (Ezra 8:31).
• Discouragement (Ezra 4:4) – Zerubbabel opposes a treaty with the Samaritan settlers. The settlers try to discourage them by bribing officials and leaders including the king. This stops progress (Ezra 4:4) for 10 years. Haggai and Zechariah prophesy the building is to continue (Ezra 5:1, Haggai 1:2-9, Zechariah 6:11-15).
• Death – The Jews who choose to remain in Persia are endangered with death by Haman’s influence. God raises Esther and Mordecai in advance to counter the decree (Esther 3:13,14). 
• Defilement – Mixed marriages, a taboo, are rampant (Ezra 9:2,3). Nehemiah and Ezra have to purge the contamination and get the people to pledge their covenant with God.
• Discontentment (Nehemiah 5:1-5) – The pressure of taunts and attacks from external enemies along with internal turbulence and quarrels threatened to tear them apart. Nehemiah kept them united.

The Persian kings led by Cyrus are God’s powerful instruments (Prov 21:1) to:
• Rebuild the temple
• Restore the lost riches
• Reinforce obedience to God and His word
(2 Chronicles 36:22–23, Ezra 1:1–11) There is no one to oppose their decrees.

In a fragmented church, are we playing our part to bring together God’s people? Do we trust God as we face similar challenges and opposition to power through? As Israel is restored for the second coming of Christ, are we working with God to prepare His people to receive Him?

To continue on this Bible Plan click on the link below:

God Revealed - A New Testament Journey