Day 239 – Ezra

• Today we conclude the historical story of the people of Israel, God’s chosen people. We’ve got one more reading from the Old Testament tomorrow, which focuses on Malachi, who speaks about life after the exile, and prophecies the future coming of Christ, but the biblical history – all of the acts of the Israelites and how God looked after them – finishes today. Well done on reaching this moment. You have all worked so hard to get here! I hope it has been enriching for you to find out all about the amazing story of the Jewish nation.
• What did Ezra do before all the people in Nehemiah 8? Why did he do it? The passage from Deuteronomy may help.
• Verses 2, 3, 7 and 8 all emphasise something similar. What is it? Why is understanding, clarity and explanation so important? Do you think our studies through the Old Testament this year have brought clarity and understanding? Do you have any more questions? Do you seek to get them answered?
• What is the attitude of the people to this (let’s be honest, very long!) church service?
• Nehemiah 9 is a prayer of acknowledgment of God’s love for His people, a confession of all the historical sin of the people, and a commitment, in the form of a new covenant, to walk with God from that day. Read it carefully. As you do, think back to the time we studied the events mentioned, and try and remember what we learned together then. Do you think the people now will do better than their ancestors?
• Look at how much time the people spent with God in Nehemiah 9:3. Have you ever spent quality (and I mean extended and focused) time with God, beyond the usual 25 minutes of bible reading, or the occasional prayer? How do you think it would help you if you did? Would it be time well spent? What’s stopping you?
• Which was your favourite moment of Israel’s history? Which story do you think changed your understanding of God the most (i.e. in His character, or love, or forgiveness, or anger)?

We’re finishing a story in the Old Testament which is true history. Every year there are more discoveries made to back up the historical accuracy of biblical records.

This is more than just a story though. Think about what you can see of God in the Old Testament. You might have been awed by His creation, and the discussions of His majesty in Job. You may love the beauty in the way the Psalms proclaim Him in song. You may have marvelled at his repeated forgiveness and patience. You may have been troubled at the war and the bloodshed found in Joshua. You might have struggled to know where He was in the Kings!

We see so much of God, don’t we? Stuff we can grapple with, and things that are just beyond our comprehension.

We’ve seen Jesus in the Old Testament too, haven’t we? The New Testament says that the whole of the Old Testament proclaims His name. Soon, we’ll be reading about his incarnation (that means appearance) in the flesh – the event that all these Old Testament stories were waiting for and guiding us to. I hope our time in the Old Testament gives you such a wonderfully deep and rich background to the familiar gospel stories we’re soon to read!