Scripture Union Daily Guide 10 December 2024 (Tuesday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: Rebuilding of the Temple Completed And Dedicated
Dear Lord, I request that you help me to encounter you as I meditate on your word.
SCRIPTURE: EZRA 6: 1-22
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
* Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 10th December 2024 Outline:
After close to twenty years of stoppage (4:24), the building of the temple resumes, ignited by prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah (5:1). But this was again interfered with (5:3, 6). Why do you think the governor of Trans-Euphrates and his secretary wanted to derail the completion of the temple of the Lord?
Notice the importance of archiving information – state, institutional, family, or personal. King Cyrus had issued a decree about rebuilding the temple of God in Jerusalem (1:1-4), an order that was well kept in the citadel of Ecbatana (6:2). Compare the content of the decree in 1:1-4 with what is recorded in 6:3-5. Proper record keeping aided the completion of the temple (6:13-15). Observe the expanded decree of Darius in vs.6-12 and note at least three elements that are added to that of King Cyrus.
Indeed, the finger of God rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem, but God worked through a team of people (v.14). Finally, the temple was completed and dedicated on March 12, 55 B.C with great joy (v.16). In addition, they re-established the priests in their groups and the Levites in their divisions for the service of God in Jerusalem (v.18). They also restored the key Jewish worship festival (vs.19-22)!
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Father God, we worship you. You keep your covenant of love with us and help us to maintain our worship and covenant relationship with you.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Leviticus 20:8
“And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.”
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 345- Romans 14-16
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN 10 DECEMBER 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
THE BODY OF CHRIST
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Acts 20:28
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ His church, all the shepherds of His flock, for the grace and privilege to lead God’s people
‣ Building his church, and not allowing the gates of hell to prevail against it Bring repentance to God for all his servants who have not represented God well in leading his people, and
PRAY FOR:
‣ All of us His people will take a resolve to fully walk in his steps, that he may use us for the deliverance of the nations as he has promised.
Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God. (Scripture Union Daily Guide 10th December 2024)
PRAYER OF SALVATION
Accept God’s free gift of Salvation Do you want to have a personal relationship with God? We invite you to accept His free gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)You can pray the following prayer right now to ask God to come into your heart so that you can receive the miracle of new birth:
‘Almighty God, I come to you today. I confess that I am a sinner, and I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus Christ came to this world, he died on the cross for my sins, and rose again triumphant on the third day. Right now I repent of my sins, and ask Jesus Christ to come into my life to be my Lord and personal Saviour. I believe according to your Word that I am now saved. Thank you Jesus for saving me from my sins. In Jesus Name, amen.’If you have prayed the prayer above – congratulations! There is much rejoicing in heaven!