People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 17

 

Zechariah was a priest and a prophet.  He prophesied to the people of Judah after they returned from 70 years on exile in Babylon.  He pictures Christ in both His 1^st coming and His 2^nd coming.  According to Zechariah, Jesus will come as Savior, Judge, and ultimately as King ruling His people from Jerusalem.  He provided specific prophecy about the exiles future.  They would be cleansed and restored; God would rebuild His people.  He ends the book by looking into the distant future, the rejection of the Messiah and then His eventual reign.

Call to Repentance – Zechariah 1:1-6

The Word of the Lord spoke to Haggai in the 2^nd year and 6^th month of King Darius’s reign and then to Zechariah 2 months later.  The returning exiles were not all dedicated to serving God.  Haggai and Zechariah were prophets who counseled them to repent.

The people had started rebuilding the temple, but there were people that opposed them so they stopped rebuilding.  They had decided to build houses for themselves and a wall for protection instead.  Zechariah told them to build the temple first and God would protect them.

In Zechariah 1:2 Zechariah told the people that God had been very angry with their forefathers and that they should not be like their ancestor who had rebelled. 

God’s anger is different from human anger, because He is righteous and driven by His holiness and love.  He is slow to anger (Psalm 103:7).  Human anger is filled bitterness and often selfishness and revenge.  It can be petty and lead to destructive actions.  This bitterness is very evident in today’s society with mobs of protesters and rebellion of hate for those of opposite beliefs. 

Sinful people can escape God’s wrath by repenting of sins and then accepting and following Jesus.  Jesus came into the world to save all sinners. (John 3:36; Romans 5:10; 1 Timothy 1:15).

In Zechariah 1:3 God instructed Zechariah to tell the people to return to Him and He would return to them.  “Return to me…and I will return to you” - Zechariah 1:3.  Repentance is not a one-sided action, but a turning point where God shows mercy and restores the lost sinner.  All a sinner has to do is return to Him and He forgives and restores.

James 4:7-10 tells us to “Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and he will come near to you……”.  These verses encourage believers to submit to God’s authority, to resist temptations, draw near to God through prayer and fellowship, and be humble before God.

Zechariah called for the people to learn from the sins of their forefathers.  They should not be like their forefathers.  The prophets warned them that God would punish them if they didn’t obey.  The people didn’t obey so God sent them into exile in Babylon.  He reminded them that life is temporary and they are a part of a larger story.  By remembering their history and the struggles of their ancestors, they should gain wisdom in their lives.

We need to reflect on history because we learn from mistakes.  It teaches us what to do and not do.  It helps us understand and learn about ourselves.  It empowers us to make conscious choices about how we want to live our life.  It can boost our confidence and motivation.  It can change our opinions and viewpoints.

Their ancestors probably repented while in exile when they realized God meant what He said.  They began to remember His words.  They knew they could not run away from God.

To repent means to be sorry for wrong things you have done and promise to try not to do them in the future.  It means changing your behavior and turning away from sin.  It’s humbly denying yourself and involves a change of heart as well as actions.

Psalm 32:1-5 tell us there is agony in unconfessed sin, but a blessing to those who confess.  Acknowledge your sin and God will forgive you. 1 John 1:8-9 tell us if we think we are without sin we deceive ourselves, but if we confess He will forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Principle:  God has wrath against unrepentant sinners, but is full of love and mercy to those who repent.

Next week we will continue our study in Zechariah. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 16

 

 

 

The Book of Haggai is named after the prophet Haggai.  His prophecies are recorder in the book, but the authorship of the book is uncertain.  It is thought that a disciple of his wrote the book.  He encouraged the people who had returned from Babylonian exile to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.

Haggai 1-2

The Call to Continue the Temple – Haggai 1

The Jews had returned from exile and began to rebuild the temple.  They found opposition among the people living there causing them to became discouraged and the building stopped.  The people began thinking of themselves.  God sent the prophet Haggai to speak to them.  Haggai told them that they were making excuses for not building the temple.  They said it wasn’t God’s timing and the work was too hard.  Haggai told them they had their priorities all wrong.  They had found the time to build their houses and live in luxury while the temple was in ruins.

We should see ourselves here.  We are just like the people in Haggai’s time.  We’re all prone to make excuses for not putting God first with our time and money.  To let the temple lay in ruin was to  neglect the worship of God.  When we make excuses for reading our Bible or going to church, we are neglecting the worship of Him.

Haggai’s word from God challenged the people.  Two times in verse 5 and 7 he said, “Give careful thought to your ways”.  Are you giving careful thought to your ways?  How are you spending your time and money?  What is your aim?  Is it to glorify God or yourself?

The Lord said, “I am with you” – Haggai 1:13.  The people respected Haggai and they feared the  presence of the Lord so their spirits were stirred.  It began with Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest.  The people responded by obeying the Lord and began to work on the temple again.

Principles: 

God wants us to put Him first and when we do He empowers and encourages us to do what He commands.

Give careful thought to your ways.

Hope for  the Future – Haggai 2

The people looked at the partially rebuilt temple and became discouraged.  They compared it with the original temple that Solomon built in all its glory and beauty.  God reminded them of how He was always with them and how He provided for them in the past (Exodus 29:45-46; Nehemiah 9:20).  He said the rebuilt temple would be more glorious than the first.  God told the leaders and the people to be strong. 

In Haggai 2:10-19 he emphasizes the importance of following God’s ways in their daily lives.  He gives examples of purity and defilement and shows how it applies to the people.  In order to gain all God has for them, they must abide by His covenant commands.  The commands were made for their good and following them will lead to fulfillment in life.

He talks of the defiled, dead, and unrighteous.  This defines all people.  Romans 3:10-26 tell us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  The remedy is Christ Jesus.  We are justified by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus when He sacrificed Himself on the cross.

God understands the discouragement we face when we serve Him.  He knew what they were thinking and feeling and He knew those who were discouraging them.  Satan always tries to dampen our enthusiasm and attacks us continually especially when we are doing the Lord’s work.  So God told them again to not be afraid because He was with them.

God encouraged Zerubbabel and the people saying He will assert His sovereignty over the nations.  He will shake heaven and earth, the sea and the dry land.  He will shake all nations and the desire of all nations will come and fill the temple with glory.

God made a promise to Zerubbabel.  He said He will make him like a signet ring. A signet ring is a token of royal authority.  Zerubbabel was chosen of God and included in the ancestry of Jesus.  Jesus is the Signet Ring on God’s right hand.  Here He is the announcing the future coming of Messiah Jesus.

Principle:  Following God’s ways lead to fulfillment in life.

Promises from the Book of Haggai:

God is with us.

His Spirit is with us.

His Glory is with us.

He has everything we need.

He is in our  future.

His peace is with us.

Next week we will continue our study in Zechariah.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 15

 

Esther 8-10

God Makes Things Right – Esther 8

King Xerxes gave Haman’s estate to Queen Esther.  She told the king how Mordecai was related to her.  Then the king elevated Mordecai to royalty and gave him his signet ring which had been previously given to Haman.  Mordecai was appointed over Haman’s estate.

Esther wept and pleaded with the king to stop with Haman’s plan to annihilate the Jews.  She asked him to issue an official order on behalf of the Jews.  Again Esther used wise judgment when she approached the king.  She showed restraint and sensitivity by humbling herself before the king.  She was a true intercessor for God’s people.

You’ve heard the old saying ‘you catch more flies with honey than vinegar’ and ‘kill them with kindness’.  That’s exactly what she did.

A new decree was written and went out to all the provinces stating that the Jew were not to be harmed.  It also allowed the Jews to arm themselves and defend themselves against any hostile group that tried to harm them.  The people rejoiced and held feasts to celebrate the reversal of their fate.  Some of the people of Persia were afraid and declared themselves Jews.

There are parallels between Esther and Jesus:

Both were Jews.

Both served others.

Both were unique, Esther was one-in-a-million picked out of the Persian empire, Jesus was the one unique sinless man.

Both were royals, Esther a queen and Jesus a king.

Both accepted a responsibility that they alone could fill.

Both sacrificed to save their people.

Both defeated a murderous accuser, Esther defeated Haman and Jesus defeated Satan.

Both saved their people from death.

Both stories were orchestrated by God.

Both stories ended with God winning.

Principle:  In the end God always makes things right.

The Jews Fight Off Their Enemies – Esther 9

Those who hated the Jews hoped to get the advantage over them, but the opposite happened.  The Jews defended themselves against their enemies.  They gathered together with aid of government officials.  They struck down all their enemies by killing and destroying them.  They destroyed 500 including the 10 sons of Haman and later 75,000, but they didn’t take any plunder.  This was not an attack of aggression but of self-defense.

Principle:  We need to trust in God’s providence even when we can’t see it working.

They celebrated with a feast called Purim.  This feast is to remind the Jews that God is in control of history and He is faithful to protect His people.  Haman had selected this day for the destruction of the Jews, but this turned out to be the day for the Jews’ salvation.   It was to remind them of God’s protection, deliverance, rest and peace, provision, joy, faithfulness, righteousness and justice.

We should always be joyful no matter what life brings.  Phil. 4:4-6 – “Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  1 Thess. 5:16-18 – “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Mordecai Honored – Esther 10

Mordecai became 2^nd in rank to the king.  He demonstrated great leadership and used his power to benefit his people.  He was faithful to God and his people.  He was held in high esteem by the Jews.  He continually worked for the good of the Jewish people.

This book of Esther is a story of coincidences and reversals that forces us to see God’s purpose at work behind every scene.  It teaches us to trust in God’s providence even when we can’t see it working.  It reminds us that even in our very worst moments there is always hope because Jesus is alive.

Principle:  Always work for the good of others and speak up on their behalf.

Next week we will continue our study in the book of Haggai. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 14

 

Esther 3-7

The Plot – Esther 3

King Xerxes honored a noble named Haman by giving him a seat higher than the other nobles.  The king commanded everyone to kneel before Haman to pay him honor, but Mordecai who was a Jew refused.  Haman was told Mordecai was a Jew so Haman looked for a way to destroy all of Mordecai’s people in the kingdom.

Haman told the king that there were people in the land who didn’t follow the customs of the land and the king should make a decree that all people should obey the king’s laws.  If they didn’t obey, they should be destroyed.  If the king would do this, Haman would give 10,000 talents of silver to the royal treasury.  The king went along with Haman and issued a decree that all the Jews were to be destroyed, killed and annihilated both young and old.  This was to be done on 13th day of the 12th month.

Hamon was motivated by jealousy, pride and his hatred for the Mordecai and the Jews.  The king was self-centered in how he looked in front of his people.  He was also out of touch with what’s going on in his kingdom and what kind of men he had in his high offices.

Haman and the king were controlled by Satan who leads the world astray as prophesied in John 8:44 and Revelation 12:9.  Human’s pride and selfish motives can make people do crazy evil things.  It can make us think only of ourselves and our needs instead of others.  What we can do about it is we can submit ourselves to God and resist the devil.  We can come near to God and He will come near to us by praying and studying His Word.  We can purify our hearts and be humble.  (James 4:7-10).

Principle:  Pride leads to destruction, but humility leads to wisdom and blessings.

Help From Esther – Esther 4

Esther was concerned for Mordecai and sent one of the king’s eunuchs to him to find out what was wrong.  Mordecai told him everything that had happened and urged Esther to plead with the king for the people.  He then reported back to Esther.

Esther was afraid to go to the king and responded by saying if anyone enters the king’s inter court without being summoned, they will be put to death.  Mordecai said if she remained silent she and her whole family would perish and that she had been put in the king’s palace for such a purpose as this.  She decided to intervene and asked Mordecai and others to fast and pray for her.

Principle:  God places individuals in specific places for divine reasons.

Esther Steps Out in Faith – Esther 5

Esther boldly went to the king who was pleased to see her.  He asked what was her request.  She chose the right time and place to make her important request.  She proposed a banquet for him and Hamon then she would tell him her request.  She acted calmly and with respect.  Her actions showed wisdom, restraint, and sensitivity to God’s leading.  She didn’t barge in with her request right away.  She made the king and Hamon feel special.  Haman boasted to his friends about his wealth, sons, and all the ways the king had honored him.  He boasted that he was the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet.  Haman was so confident that he went out and had gallows built for Mordecai.

Principle:  There is value in thorough preparation and patience in the face of adversity.

The Tables Turn – Esther 6-7

We see God’s sovereignty at the banquet.  The king again asked what was Ester’s request.  She humbly asked that the king spare her and her people’s lives, because she and her people had been sold for destruction and annihilation.  The king was shocked and ask what man would do such a thing.  She told him it was Haman.  The king left the room.  Haman knew what the king was going to do so he begged Esther for his life.  When the king returned he found Haman falling on the couch where Esther was and thought he was trying to molest her.  Harbona, one of the king’s eunuchs said the gallows 70 feet high stands by that Haman had made for Mordecai.  The king was furious and said to hang Haman on it.  Haman was hanged and Esther and all the Jews were spared.

Nothing can change God’s plans for His people.  He is sovereign and in control of all people and all things.  God reversed and frustrated the plans of His enemies.  Using Esther’s courageous actions Haman’s true nature was exposed.  He reversed the wicked plans against Mordecai and the Jewish people by hanging Haman instead of Mordecai. God saved the Jews from being destroyed and annihilated. 

God’s people experience other grand reversals.  God send Jesus to die for all our sins.  He redeemed us and reversed death and gives eternal life for all who believe in Him (John 3:36; 11:25-26; Gal. 3:13).

Principles: 

Believers are to have confidence that God is working in their lives and will ultimately work all things for good.

God reversed death and gave eternal life for all who believe in Jesus.

Next week we will continue our study of Esther.  Hope to see you here.  -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 13

 

For the next few studies we will be studying the book of Esther.  Who was Ester?  She was a beautiful Jewish girl whom King Xerxes of Persia chose to be his queen.  She saved her people by risking her own life when she appealed to the king and rescued the Jews.  The mention of God doesn’t appear in the book, but His care for His chosen people is clearly shown.  Her story is celebrated annually during the Feast of Purim. 

Esther 1-2

Three Royal Feasts – Esther 1

Xerxes or Ahasuerus, the king of Persia inherited the Persian Empire from his father, Darius I.  He  ruled over 127 provinces from India to Cush.  In His third year of reign he gave a feast for all the military leaders, princes, and nobles that lasted 6 months.  At the end of the feast he gave a second feast for all the people of Susa that lasted 7 days.  The feast was held in the garden of the palace and was decorated lavishly. 

This feasts were probably done to show off his power and wealth to those under him.  People like to show off today with all they’ve accomplished and all the wealth they have with big houses, nice cars, and expensive jewelry.  They want the center of attention by running for office or being in charge of committees and projects.  Then they boast about themselves and all they have.  They are trying to validate themselves by comparing themselves to others.

The only approval we need is God’s approval.  All we need to remember is that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 129:14).  God loves us unconditionally and doesn’t base His love on the opinions of others.  We are made in His image and He loves us even when we sin.  He’s always on our side no matter what we do or have.  So find value in yourself .

Principle:  God finds value in us when we love, trust, obey and fulfill His purposes.

The 3^rd feast was given by Queen Vashti for the women.  On the 7^th day of the king’s feast, the king was merry with wine.  He ordered the queen to come to him.  She refused to appear before the drunken king.  The king became furious and burned with anger.  He asked his advisors what to do to her for refusing his direct order.  They advised him to expel her and replace her with another woman.

The queen probably didn’t want to be put on display in from on the king’s drunken guests.  It could put her in a dangerous situation being with many drunken men.  She knew this was something she shouldn’t do and she stood by her convictions.  The officials reacted by telling the king that she was setting a bad example.  The other women would be influenced by her refusal and would show disrespect to the king, his officials, and their husbands. 

The officials were embarrassed by the situation and one of the officials, Memucan suggested that the king should send out a decree that all women should show respect to their husbands and all men should rule over their households.  The king approved of his idea and ruled that all women will respect their husbands.

Principle:  Never compromise your convictions with ungodly authority.

Esther Selected as Queen – Esther 2

When it was time to find a new queen all young virgin women were gathered from across the kingdom as candidates for the king.  They were sent to Susa and put in the king’s harem under the charge of Hegai.  Then the women the king liked would be chosen.  One of the women was Esther, an orphaned Jew raised by her cousin Mordecai.

Mordecai instructed Esther to keep her Jewish heritage a secret.  This was done perhaps because it was part of a larger divine plan to save the Jewish people.  Also concealing her identity would help her gain trust of the king and influence decisions.  The king was pleased with her and provided her with beauty treatments, special food, maids, and moved her to the best place in the palace harem.  Esther found favor with everyone.  The king loved Esther and chose her to be his queen and gave a great banquet for her.

While at the kings table, Mordecai overheard a plot by 2 officials to assassinate the king.  He told Queen Esther of the plot and she in turn told the king.  The plot was investigated and found to be true so both men were hanged and the king was saved.

Principle:  God prepares solutions even before problems exists; Jesus was the solution to the world’s sin before the world was created.

The course of events in Esther’s life was not by accident; it was God’s plan.  We too have a place in God’s plan.  Whatever your situation, God has a purpose for it.  Have you noticed this book doesn’t mention God?  But it shows that God works behind the scenes and He is active throughout the book of Esther.

Principle:  When is seems God is silent, He is working behind the scenes.

Next week we will continue our study in Esther. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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