Read Ezra 1
Highlights:
Cyrus' proclamation to rebuild the Temple; genealogy of those who left Babylon.
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the Word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia (Ezra 1:1).
The Word of the Lord refers to the fulfillment of God's prophecy through the words of Jeremiah: For thus saith the Lord, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place (Jer. 29:10).
Only God could have revealed to His prophet that Judah would be held captive for seventy years (25:1-12)! It was this prophecy that caused Daniel to pray for deliverance of his people in the year of Babylon's fall (Dan. 9:2). Isaiah had prophesied about two hundred years earlier that they would return to their own land and rebuild Jerusalem (Is. 44:28).
There are so many so-called false prophets in the world today. However, they go by many different names: psychics, palm readers, and fortune-tellers are only a few of those. Some have even made millions of dollars taking their satanic message mainstream. They write books and appear on talk shows. Some have even had their own TV specials. None of their notoriety validates these people as prophets of the True God. God also warns us about them. The Word of the Lord cautions them: Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit . . . I am against you, saith the Lord God (Ezek. 13:1-9)They are found in the Old and New Testaments alike. It is even foretold of their falsehoods going out in the last days. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (I John 4:1).
The wisdom of God is the only reasonable explanation for the many prophecies which have been fulfilled in minute detail hundreds of years after they were foretold. God has a definite foreknowledge of all things that are going to transpire. Only the unlimited power from God's throne could look forward in time to warn mankind of what is about to transpire. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Rev. 1:8).
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (II Pet. 1:21).
Thought for Today:
God never fails to fulfill His promises.
Christ Portrayed:
By Sheshbazzar, another name for Zerubbabel, the prince (governor) of Judah (Ezra 1:8). Christ is both The Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6) and the Lion of the tribe of Juda (Judah) (Rev. 5:5).
Word Studies:
1:6 strengthened their hands, gave them assistance; 2:43 Nethinims, Temple servants; 2:63 Tirshatha, Governor.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Our Military Worldwide • International Broadcasts in memory of Dr. John A. Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Gregg Harper (MS) and Rep. Tim H. Bishop (NY) • Country: Georgia (5.38 million) west and central Transcaucasia between Asia and Europe • Major languages: Georgian and Russian • Religious opposition to Christianity • 57% Georgian (and Russian) Orthodox; 21.2% Muslim; 5% Armenian Apostolic; .8% Catholic (Greek-Catholic); .5% Protestant (mainly Baptist); .5% Jewish; 15% Atheist/Agnostic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that people will come to a knowledge of the Lord God (I Kings 18:36-37).
Optional Reading: 2 Corinthians 3
NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Timothy 1:17
