Mon., 2/9

Short Reading: Ezra 1:1-6

Long Reading: Ezra 1:1-11

The Israelites were disbursed all over Cyrus’ empire. What is God telling us by what He is setting into motion here?

How do you think the Israelites felt when they heard about this?

 

Tue., 2/10

Short Reading: Ezra 2:64-70

Long Reading: Ezra 2

Looking especially at vv. 68-69, what do you believe the attitude of the group was?

How do you imagine the mood as they arrived in their towns? Remember why they came back but also what they found upon their return.

 

Wed., 2/11

Short Reading: Ezra 3:1-5

Long Reading: Ezra 3:1-6

What is the significance of their rebuilding the altar and celebrating the Festival of Shelters?

What made them so unified?

 

Thu., 2/12

Short Reading: Ezra 3:10-13

Long Reading: Ezra 3:7-13

What would it take for us to be similarly excited?

What lessons are there in the reality of v. 12?

 

Fri., 2/13

Short Reading: Ezra 4:1-5

Long Reading: Ezra 4:1-5

Why would God allow this to happen?

When should we invite others in, when do we need to insist on doing it by ourselves (v. 3)?

 

Sat., 2/14

Short Reading: Ezra 4:6, 11-16

Long Reading: Ezra 4:6-16

What do we do when we face opposition?

What kind of opposition does the church face today?

 

Sun., 2/15

Short Reading: Ezra 6:13-15

Long Reading: Ezra 4:17-6:15

The Jews were stopped from building, but after God sent them prophets encouraging them to rebuild, they were able to finish. It took a long time, though. Have you ever experienced something like that?

What do we do when answer don’t come for a long time?