Scripture Union Daily Guide 6th December 2024 (Friday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: The Exiles Return To Their Homeland
OPENING PRAYER: Dear Lord, make me more like you through the power of your word as I meditate on it.
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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: EZRA 2:1-70
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
* Q7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 6th December 2024 Outline
There was a team that led the first group of exiles back to Jerusalem (v.2). God’s work is better done through teamwork. Most of this chapter (vs.3-67) is on the statistics of the returning exiles. Why is statistics necessary at this point in the story, and why is it necessary in church ministry today?
We find Israelite sons from different lines listed (vs.3-20). We note that 123 men of Bethlehem returned to their hometown (v.21). Sons or descendants of priests (v.36), Levites (v.40), singers, gatekeepers, and Temple servants (v.43) were listed. So those taken in captivity into exile included the priests and the Levites. When civil disorder or civil war strikes a nation, the church and her leaders are also affected. What does this require from the church?
Then there were those who could not prove by their father’s line or descent that they were true Israelites (v.59). Notice the restriction put on them (see vs.62 and 63). What qualifies a person to be a true citizen of heaven and opens “the gate of welcome”?
Observe how many families gave generously to the rebuilding of the house of God in vs.68-69. Can we still find generous donors who give towards God’s mission? How about you? How do you apply 2 Corinthians 9:7 and 1 Chronicles 21:24?
Practice/Word Application
Thought: Our identity matters and affects everything about us (see John 13:3).
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, rescue us from captivity to sin, and restore us to a true relationship with you and inheritance in heaven.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Deuteronomy 2:7
“For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.”
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 341- Romans 1-3
PRAYER FOCUS
CHILDREN DEPARTMENT CONTD.
Yet I suppose it necessary to send you to Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. Phil. 2:25
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ The support of pilgrims, friends and supporters of the department, who have continued to give their resources to sustain the work in the ministry
PRAY FOR:
‣ The Lord should send more labourers to keep the work going
‣ The Lord will touch more hearts/pilgrims to give to the labour of the department by making materials available and providing conducive environment for children to learn.
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 6th December 2024)
