An Enemy Outwitted and more

The Return to Rebuild

Ezra 6:22  For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.

• Worship is the appropriate posture of all people before their Creator.
• God enables His people to worship Him, despite opposition.

New Beginnings in the Promised Land

Ezra 7:10  For Ezra devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

• The Bible represents an extraordinary gift from God to the people He created.
• God's Word guides and guards His people's commitment to Him.

Costly Compromise and Painful Obedience

Ezra 9:10-11a  "But now, our God, what can we say after this?  For we have forsaken the commands you gave through your servants the prophets."

• Sin costs much more than we realize.
• God reveals our sin to lead us to repentance and obedience.

A New Queen

Esther 2:17  Now the king was attracted to Esther more than any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins.  So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

• In the end, is our time on earth a string of random events and haphazard moments?
• God positions His people to accomplish His purposes.

An Enemy Outwitted

Esther 4:14  "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish.  And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

• Satan opposes everything God ordains.
• God's enemies never thwart His perfect plan.

BSF Notes Exile and Return Lessons 10-14