Day 255, September 12 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Zechariah 7–8; Ezra 5:1–6:18
God Works for His Glory and our Good
We value our best friends, not just because they like us or do things with us, but because they love us and want what is best for us. They are on our side in good times and bad. Perhaps you have experienced trouble and difficulty in your life, and you need more than a friend—you need God. Is God still at work? Is he on your side? This Bible study may offer you some encouragement.
By God's grace, many Jewish exiles returned to their homeland. They built an altar and sang as the foundations of their temple were laid.
In yesterday’s Bible reading, we learned that their neighbors didn’t want the Jews in their land. They tried to discourage the workers and were successful in stopping the rebuilding of Solomon’s temple .
God wants us to act in faith
The LORD was not happy. He decided to stop blessing the Jews —they were acting in fear, not faith.
God sent drought and famine to show them his displeasure. Afterward, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the Jews to repent, return to God, rise up, and rebuild the temple! The people did so; the work was restarted, and God’s blessings returned to them.
During their exile in Babylon, the Jews held an annual fast of mourning because of the destruction of their land, and they also had religious feasts. A delegation from the nearby town of Bethel wanted to know if they should continue the ceremony since the temple was being restored.
God wants good behavior, not a religious ritual
Previous generations continued religious traditions but were rebellious against God and his laws. The LORD said this is a new day! He has forgiven them, brought them back to their land, and they are restoring the temple. This is a time of rejoicing and feasting, not mourning.
This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Just as I had determined to bring disaster upon you and showed no pity when your fathers angered me,” says the LORD Almighty, “so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah.
Do not be afraid. These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the LORD.
Again the word of the LORD Almighty came to me. This is what the LORD Almighty says: “The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace” (Zechariah 8:14-19, NIV).
When God cast Israel out of her land, he punished her for her benefit so she would repent and turn back to him. Withholding his blessings when they stopped rebuilding the temple was so that they might repent and return to him. Since he restored the people of Israel, there is no longer a reason to mourn—it is a time to rejoice and live responsibly!
Do we have problems forgiving our sins? If God has forgiven us, he doesn’t want us to hang our head in remorse. No, he wants us to live obediently and rejoice!
God turns the table on Israel’s enemies
Israel’s return to the work of building the temple disturbs her neighbors. The rulers of the area, called the Trans-Euphrates, question them about the legality of building a temple. Then they send a letter to King Darius of Persia, asking him to search and find out if Cyrus had really made a decree allowing the Jews to return and do this.The report from the investigation shocks the rulers of the Trans-Euphrates. The truth of the Jewish claims is validated! Then King Darius orders the people in the area to supply the Jews with everything they need to complete the job and leave them alone.
What can they do? They must obey. The temple is finished in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius without any further harassment. There is much rejoicing, singing , and offering of sacrifices. God has indeed worked for their good.
A Glorious Future
The LORD will someday make Israel into the greatest nation on earth.
This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”
This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with cane in hand because of his age.
The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there” (Zechariah 8:3-5, NIV).
These Scriptures refer to the coming 1,000 year reign of Jesus Christ (otherwise referred to as the Millennium, Revelation 20:4). It will be a time of worldwide peace and God’s favor upon Israel (Isaiah 11:1-10). All of her nation will be spiritually reborn (saved). Jesus will reign on his throne, and all countries will come to worship him. Everyone will want to be a friend to the Jewish people because God continually blesses them. The LORD will bring about Israel’s promising future after a time of great tribulation (Jeremiah 30:4-7).
Although not Israel, the church also has a great future ahead of her. All who have placed personal faith in Jesus Christ for their salvation have an inheritance in heaven reserved for them (John 14:1-3;1Peter 1:3-5). Have you placed your faith in Jesus? Do you have the hope of heaven in your future? (more...)
Discussion
Name at least one way God works for his glory and our benefit. Why is it important?
What kind of good behavior does God expect of us?
How can a person have a glorious future?
End Note: The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the O.T., edited by Walvoord and Zuck, ©1985, p.1559
Focus Verses
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (NIV)
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Looking Ahead: After the Jews finish the wall there is a Celebration! What can you celebrate? Join us for our Next Lesson.
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