A Devotional Look at the Book #522

A Devotional Look at the Book #522

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Once upon a time when one crossed the railroad tracks they were on the other side of town. Now days; the other side of Town Visits us in many living rooms crying out to mindless parents and the undisciplined youth! Proverbs 9:13-18

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

Someone recently said to me that they believed that Christianity was a necessary invention of man and that this invention came at just the right time. A time when God revealed Himself to the world, rather than to just the Jewish nation; to me; this is simply “hogwash” a worth little. However; if you are one prone to read a lot of religious material you can find most anything to bend the truth to your own liking. Note: Dionysius Exiguus, a monk, invented the B.C./A.D. method during the Middle Ages, early in the sixth century. Commissioned by the pope, he did this to determine the correct date for Easter. This statement was taken from a website called the: The Restored Church of God. While the statement is true, it is extra-biblical (I believe that is the right term) I mean is that it is outside of any biblical context of the Living Word of God, even as the word Easter. You may say that since the word Easter is found in the KJV (Acts 12:4) that I am a bit out of line here. No, not at all! The Greek word in this passage is pascha and refers directly to the Passover and explicitly to the LORD Jesus Christ who is not an invention of mankind. Notice this: Jesus first came to His own nation and they rejected Him. Some believed however and this is what they believed. John 1:9-14 and 11:25-26. This is the gospel of grace through faith. It is not a discourse of man’s inventive powers to gain favor (grace) from God.

Ezra; the Book

Ezra 2:1-64 – The congregation of Israelites to return to their HOMELAND is forty two thousand three hundred sixty. We should find this very interesting since there are many parallels in scripture of the Israelites being stranded in various forms of captivity and slavery. Egypt and the land of Goshen and here in Babylon; seventy persons in Jacob’s family (Israel) Genesis 46:26-27 and when they left Egypt. Exodus 12:37 states that six hundred thousand men plus women and children; about two million people strong moved out of captivity.

Ezra 2:65-66 – Here in our passage we see this large number of men and women coming home. Ever wonder how many were led captive by Babylon’s army. Three thousand twenty three Jews… Jeremiah 52:23. Also it is noteworthy that these captive people went into captivity with “nothing” but when restored to their homeland they were able to bring with them; servants of their own; a choir (male and female singers); six hundred thirty six horses; two hundred forty five mules; four hundred thirty five camels and six thousand seven hundred twenty donkeys.

Ezra 2:67-70 – Israel went into captivity because of idolatry and disobedience to the Word of God. They left the land empty handed, but it is this very condition of poverty that draws families together. For Israel; this nation will always prosper in adversity as these are God’s chosen. For our nation; even though at times blessed of God immensely; restoration of our HOMELAND has yet to be seen. Today we are very much like the prophecy of Hosea. Adulterous and disobedient people who have departed from the LORD and like the children they birth are an abomination to God. We should not throw in the towel! 2 Chronicles 7:14 applies even to our HOMELAND.