Study 21 Presentation The Story also talks about five movements that - PDF document

Study 21 Presentation The Story also talks about five movements that take part in God’s Story: Movement 1: The Story of the Garden (Genesis 1-11) Movement 2: The Story of Israel (Genesis 12 – Malachi) Movement 3: The Story of Jesus (Matthew – John) Movement 4: The Story of the Church (Acts – Jude) Movement 5: The Story of a New Garden (Revelation) Rebuilding the Walls Ezra and Nehemiah Hebrew tradition – originally one book under the name of Ezra Divided into two books in the Latin translation – Nehemiah speaks first person Found among the Dead Sea Scrolls Return to Judea Zerubbabel – first group, 536 BC – started work on the Temple, but settled down Ezra – second group, 547 BC – completed the rebuilding of the Temple; appoint judges Nehemiah – third group, 444 BC – completed the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem Served as Governor – from 445 BC to 431 BC (12 years – first term); returns to Persia then returns again to Judah and governs for an unspecified length Persian Empire 20 Satrapies – under Darius 1; territory or state Satrap – like a state governor Powerful and wealthy Provinces – like our counties Governors – like a county mayor Usually connected to a local noble family Powerful and wealthy Judah Satrapy – “Beyond the River” – everything west of the Euphrates Governor – Zerubbabel, then Nehemiah Enemies Sanballat – Governor of Samaria Tobiah – Governor of Ammon-Gilead Geshem – Governor of Arabia-Idumea Timeless Truth: God Always Preserves a Faithful Remnant Nehemiah – “The Lord has comforted” Cupbearer – highly trusted position; protect the king from poison – Jew in this position

Report – Jerusalem in bad shape Prayed – man of prayer – four months pass since he heard the report Requests permission – to go and help his people – gives up luxury for hardship – sees the need 42,000 go with him – two month trip Jerusalem Investigates – studies the situation Fast and prays Plans – identifies with the people Rebuild the Walls Leadership Building program – gets the leaders to buy into the vision Opposition – ridicule; compromise; slander; discouragement; threats Plan for protection – wall to wall workers; repair and rebuild; defend yourselves Encouragement – not all worked; not all worked equally 52 days Governor Famine Excessive interest rates Excessive taxes Greedy rich False prophets Trustworthy leaders Record keeping Ezra Book of the Law – teach God’s Word Feast of Booths Renew the Covenant Sacrifices Jerusalem Occupants – people agree to live in Jerusalem Continue restoring the city Worship Dedicating the city walls Violations of the Covenant Sabbath Support – the house of God Offer yourselves – to God Obey Malachi – “messenger” or “angel” – some think it was written by Ezra Love – reminder of God’s love; doubted God Poor leadership – priests Poor relationships – wives; divorced Jewish wives and married Gentiles Messenger of God – accusation of people and promise of Elijah Repentance Tithes – robbing God

Proper attitude – complaints against God Remnant – God will remember those who are faithful Greater prophet is coming – day of the Lord 400 years of silence Application God raises up leaders Leaders have different skill sets Confront obstacles Stay faithful Treasure God’s Word Worship joyfully Obey willingly Pray confidently