A Devotional Look at the Book #519

A Devotional Look at the Book #519

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Prosperity and adversity are appointments made by God for all nations… therefore; make haste to straighten out our national crooked ways and make the right appointment with God. Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

I know a man who recently observed some problems within an organization of which he is a part of. Being in a leadership capacity; he was confronted within his integrity to stand up and say a word or two. In confidential conversation and public addresses he made known the problems and sought to lay the ground work of correction and move the organization forward. The confidential conversations were to gain middle management awareness and support; while the public addresses were designed to let the organizations public and executive positions know what problems existed and to make changes that would get rid of procedures that were outdated by twenty years or more. Howbeit; that the middle managers folded when the forward motion of the rubber wheel (one man) connected with the stiffness of a concrete road (the executive board) failed. I know the paragraph is vague; the specifics are current events so I cannot reveal much more. However; during this ongoing circumstance I am reminded of many of the Old Testament prophets who were “stand alone” pillars of faith; Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel and others who were told by God that they would suffer persecution, imprisonment and other isolating conditions at the hands of rebellious Israel. God also said that these men should not fear that He would provide for them to be victorious. Here is the point! The battle we face daily; whether small or large is not won with a multitude of companions on ones side. Abraham, Gideon and many others stood between heaven and hell fighting for faith in God and doing RIGHT for their homeland. Don’t stand up to be counted… just stand UP!

Ezra; the Book

Ezra 1:1 – Question; do we read scripture (The Living Word of God) just for the sake of saying to someone that we have read through the Bible? Or should we not be like Ezra who says here that Cyrus king of Persia is literally fulfilling the words of the Prophet Jeremiah in his book; Jeremiah 25:12 and 29:10. Also note the last two verses of 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 and Daniel 9:2. What? You mean that; Ezra, Daniel and other prophets studied each other and understood prophesy? What a hoot! What joy! What a blessing! 1 Peter 1:3-12 what an inheritance!

Ezra 1:2 – Do you not find it a bit astonishing that a secular king; the king of Persia who is represented in scripture as Satan; Daniel 9:1-21 who knows that it is GOD. Who is the Almighty God has given to Cyrus the power to rule the known world, who has also commanded him to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. God rules over evil that good may come out of it. This is no new revelation; it is simply fulfilled prophecy. Romans 8:18-30

Ezra 1:3-4 – The decree or proclamation within the Persian kingdom goes out to any willing Jew, who wishes to go back to Judah and rebuild the temple in the city of Jerusalem, let them go Cyrus says! There are no restrictions on these; take everything including women and children. Also, if they need money or a kick start in business, give them silver and gold, livestock and other goods. As a nation under the stress of forced socialism … we can wait as Israel did; until some country like Persia of old gains control over us; then in time, is commanded by God to return us to our homeland and rebuild our faith in the Almighty God. We need only to remain in our present apathy… judgment is on the horizon!