​Day 236 – August 24, 2021

​Day 236 – August 24, 2021
Scriptures: Psalm 126, Ezra 6-8
 
Sometimes we wonder the relevance between the Old Testament and New.
 
Hear this important insight from the Tyndale Commentary that sheds light on a connection:
 
The two centuries of the Persian empire were among the most formative periods of Jewish history. Out of the ruins of the little kingdom of Judah there had emerged the small community whose concern to be the people of God by pedigree and practice shaped it into the nation which meets us in the New Testament. Already the future prominence of the Temple and its priests, of the law and its scribes, as well as the enmity between Jews and Samaritans, could be seen developing. Throughout this time the Persian regime was given a substantial part to play, both in sending and subsidizing the three expeditions of Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah, and in backing their authority with its own. It was not the first empire, nor the last, to be allotted some such role. (Ezra and Nehemiah, Tyndale OT Commentary, Kindle Edition, Derek Kidner.)
 
What is happening in Ezra, is taking shape and form in the days of Jesus. The Roman Empire and their relationship with Jews and how the Jews worshiped is informed by the foundation being laid here.
 
Ezra’s ministry was to preach the word of God. To bring it to the forefront of worship in the temple. There was only one way in which the people of God would return to him, and that was through worship and Word.
 
We are laying a foundation today for the next generation. Let it also be in worship and Word.
 
Jordan