Scripture Union Daily Guide 11th December 2024 (Wednesday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: Ezra’s Mission In Jerusalem
OPENING PRAYER: Oh Lord, grant me spiritual insight into the truth of your word as I study it.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: EZRA 7: 1-28
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 11th December 2024 Outline:
First, we establish Ezra’s identity as a true Jew and one who qualifies to perform his mission in Jerusalem. Ezra was a priest and scribe of the High Priest lineage of Zadok. His identity was traced back to Aaron (vs.1-5). Ezra was qualified to preach, teach, and interpret the scriptures (read v.6). He has the proper training needed for being a minister. This is a challenge to biblically healthy church life and quality church growth in Africa.
It is extremely important for both pastors and lay preachers to go through training to accurately preach God’s word (see 2 Timothy 2:15). Do you have a plan for training lay preachers in your church? Are they also willing to avail themselves of such training?
The mission of Ezra is stated in v.10 (read it again and pay attention to the order of things in the verse). Those who would share God’s word with others must first be seen living according to the standard of God’s word.
King Artaxerxes’ job description for Ezra’s mission is instructive. In addition to the ministry of the word of God, Ezra is responsible for honest management of funds (vs.15-18), stock management (vs.19-22) and human resource management (vs.25-26). He succeeded in them all because “God’s gracious hand was upon him” (vs.6,9&28). That is the secret of success in ministry.
Practice/Word Application
Memory Verse: Ezra 7:10
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Lord, help me to work diligently, righteously, and to experience your gracious hand upon me for good success.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalms 62:1 ‐ 2
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 346- Acts 20-23
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN 11 DECEMBER 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
SU MEMBERS IN OUR SECONDARY SCHOOL GROUPS
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves as the manner of some is…..” Hebrews 10:25a
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ The lives of students who have identified with SU fellowship group in the schools
PRAY FOR:
‣ Genuine salvation and consistent Christian living
‣ They will follow godly Christian model
‣ God to endow them with excellent spirit as found in Daniel of old
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 11th December 2024)