Ezra 1:1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also put it in writing:
Your eyes are not deceiving you. The first three verses of Ezra are exactly the same as the end of 2 Chronicles. One might think that the theme of hope would be the same as well. That’s not what I’m finding. Commentary indicates that 1. Ezra and Nehemiah were originally written as one book and 2. They are about the need for a change of heart, a new heart within the people.
Ezra 1:2 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: “The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah.’”
So what does all thus mean to me? After reconnecting me with hope during this increasingly stressful semester, what lesson can I learn? I need a new heart, a renewed heart. In order to keep from sliding back into the abyss, I’ve got to make changes. Jesus, Help me.
Ezra 1:3 “‘Any of His people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them.’”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for hope and renewal that can only come from You. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10). Amen.
Ezra 1:5 Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.
Have a blessed day.