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Something Useful to keep in your Trunk

Chronological Bible Discipleshipweek thirty-sevenEsther/Ezra/Haggai/ZechariahIva May and Dr. Stan May

ContextGod introduces Abram to His redemptive plan when He promises him a son, a nation and a landAfter decades of wandering all Abram possessed was a burial place for his wife, Sarah

His grandson Jacob moves the entire family to Egypt to find relief from a famineThey thrive and multiplyThey are eventually enslaved by a cruel Pharaoh

400 years later, Moses leads the nation out of EgyptThe LORD organizes them by tribesGives them the Law and establishes a covenant with them

Joshua leads Israel to possess Canaan, the land of promiseThey reside in Canaan through the Judges Era, Kingdom Era and the Divided Kingdom Era

Captivity EraA succession of wicked kings leads the Northern Kingdom (Israel) into idolatryTaken captive by Assyria in 722 B.C.They are scattered and cease to exist

136 years later, Babylon invades to destroy Jerusalem and the templeAll of Judah is taken into captivity4,600 Jews survive intact in BabylonDuring the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, Jeremiah prophesies that Judahs captivity would last for seventy years and after that time, God would bring them back to the land of promise

OverviewThis lesson connects the prophecies of Isaiah with Judahs political situation at the end of the 70 year captivity

Demonstrates Gods sovereignty over kings and political leaders

Key TruthGod works within the geo-political realm to fulfill His promises regarding Israel and the redemption of mankind.

Captivity EraThe King of All KingsA Prophecy of Captivity and HopeA Promise of RestorationA Protection in RebuildingJeremiah 29Isaiah 44 & 45Ezra 1 & 6

A Prophecy of Captivity and HopeJeremiah 29:10Prophecy of Captivity & HopeJeremiah Prophesies of Judahs Seventy Years of Captivity to the Exiles in Babylon (10)

After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit youThough they are captives in a foreign land, it is only for a time

and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to the place.The prophecies they had heard earlier (Jer 25) would be honored and they would be allowed to return to their homeland

A Promise of RestorationIsaiah 44:28-45:7Promise of RestorationIsaiah Prophesied of a Restored JudahTo provoke faith in the hearts of those who would endure the captivityTo assure Judah that God keeps His promises

Nearly 150 Years in Advance, he Foretells of King Cyrus Involvement in the Return of His People (28)Isaiahs prophecy occurs before Cyrus was even bornGod revealed this detail to demonstrate His sovereignty in political affairsNaming the king that would enable their return demonstrates His knowledge of events and control of governmentsA Promise of RestorationEzra 1:1-8Promise of RestorationGod had Arranged for His Work to be done by a Pagan King (1-2)During Cyrus first year the LORD moved him to actionTheLordstirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that hesent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and alsoput itin writing, saying:Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, TheLord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth andHe has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.

Promise of RestorationThe LORD works in the Heart of a Pagan King, to Accomplish the Rebuilding of the Temple (3-8)King Cyrus calls for volunteers to return to Jerusalem and work on the projectHe calls for a giving campaign to fund the reconstructionHe orders the return of the temple articles confiscated by NebuchadnezzarThis was Gods preservation of Israels holy treasures during the captivityDiscussionWhat political events can cause Christians to wonder if God is really in control?If we view the world of modern politics with a heart of fear, how might we be tempted to respond?How should we respond to our doubts about Gods sovereignty? How did the people in Jeremiahs day respond?

A Protection in RebuildingEzra 6:1-12Protection in RebuildingThe LORDs Word Extends to Prevent Israels Enemies from Interfering with the Rebuilding of the TempleKing Cyrus dies and King Darius takes his placeIsraels enemies see this as an opportunity to disrupt the temple projectThey request Darius verify the validity of the orders for rebuildingDarius orders a Search of the ArchivesHe confirms Cyrus proclamation in support of the JewsDarius issues his own proclamationInstructs Israels enemies to stop their harassmentDirects that their taxes be used to fund the projectEven though he is a pagan king, Darius invokes the name of God to protect Israel in their rebuilding effortDiscussionGod used King Cyrus to decree that the temple be restored. When challenged, Gods intention was confirmed through King Artaxerxes several years later. What lesson should this teach us about Gods word and His work?

How should believers respond to unfavorable governments or politicians?God speaks of future events through His prophets so that when those times arrive His people will trust Him

God moves on the hearts of pagan rulers to accomplish His own purposesThe kings heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns wherever He wishes. (Pr 21:1)

The LORD works through three pagan kings: Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes to begin and finalize the rebuilding of His temple in Jerusalem.

ConclusionsBible TRIViA QUIZThe Books of Zechariah & Esther(1pts)In Zechariahs oracle the shepherds covenant with the flock is broken. What did the shepherd receive as pay for his services? I said to them, If it is good in your sight, give me my wages; but if not, never mind! So they weighed out thirty shekels of silver as my wages. (Zechariah 11:12)

When the Lord comes back to fight the nations that will cap-ture Jerusalem, He will stand on and split which mountain?In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west...(Ezra 3:12)

How was Esther (Hadassah) related to Mordecai?He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncles daughter, for she had no father or mother. (Ezra 4:1-2)

BONUS ROUNDBonus Questions (2pts)How many days did Xerxes party and show off his wealth and power to all the nobles and officials of his kingdom?And he displayed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor of his great majesty for many days, 180 days. (Esther 1:4)

How high was the gallows that Haman had constructed for the purpose of hanging Mordecai?Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, Have a gallows fifty cubits high made and in the morning ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it (Esther 5:14)

Next week..Adult II Couples Classdiscoverjoy.comEsther 2 & 6King of Darkest Night