Scripture Union Daily Guide 5th December 2024 (Thursday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: God Fulfils His Promise
OPENING PRAYER: Sanctify my life dear Lord as I study your word in Jesus name.
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SCRIPTURE: Ezra 1:1-11
INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF EZRA
The book of Ezra tells God’s faithfulness in restoring His people to their land in Palestine after captivity in Babylon. It tells the return of the first group of exiles and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem under Zerubbabel. It records the problem that stopped the reconstruction of the Temple, which was eventually completed and dedicated. The book records Ezra leading the second group of returning exiles. The ministry of Ezra, the Scribe, among the Israelites includes dealing with matters concerning marriage between Israelites and non-Israelites, and faithfulness to the Laws of Moses. Ezra is a classic reference of ministry by leadership example (Ezra 7:10). Ezra succeeded because God’s hand was upon him (Ezra 7:6, 9, 28; 8:18, 22, 31).
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
Daily Guide 5th December 2024 Scripture Union Outline:
The Lord God fulfils the promise He made to Israel through Jeremiah the prophet. (See Jeremiah 25:11-12; and 29:10-14). The Lord did this by directing the heart of King Cyrus (v.1) and the hearts of the priests, Levites, and the leaders of Judah (v.5) to take appropriate actions which will lead to the fulfilment of His promise (read vs.1&5 again). We see both God’s divine initiative and human responsibility. God still works through men and women today.
To successfully return to Jerusalem and fulfil God’s promise, the people of Israel had critical support from their neighbours (v.6), King Cyrus, and Mithredath, the treasurer (vs.7&8). What would you say about Sheshbazzar’s leadership (v.11)? The service of responsible and faithful leaders helps the people to really experience the fulfilment of the true promises of God.
What promises of God in the Bible are you seeking to experience as we close this year, or desire to have for the coming year? God is faithful: He will fulfil His promises in the Bible in our lives.
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Lord, let us see your favour upon us and work out your great promises in our lives and in our time (Psalm 90:17, ESV).
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Isaiah 43:5
“Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;”
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 340- 2 Corinthians 10-13
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN 5 DECEMBER 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
CHILDREN DEPARTMENT
And he said unto him, well done, thou good servant; because you have been faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities. Luke 19:17
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ The privilege granted all children workers to serve His purpose in the Children ministry
‣ Sustaining all workers over the years
PRAY FOR:
‣ More faithful men to be recruited into the children department
‣ The current children workers will be found faithful on their duty post
PRAY AGAINST:
‣ Every manipulation of hell aimed at discouraging desires for faithful
Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God. (Scripture Union Daily Guide 5th December 2024)
