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All the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. Nehemiah 8:1 (Nehemiah 7-13)

Following the completion of the wall, Nehemiah sets out to organize national life. Jerusalem covers a large space and is still mostly rubble with not enough housing reconstructed and commerce unstable. The city needs a larger population so funds and direction are given for relocation as hearts turn to spiritual matters. Nehemiah was not content with pious preaching while sin was rampant.

On the first day of the Jewish New Year Ezra began reading from the Law that was given to Moses and carried into the Promised Land. A new awareness of Israel’s colossal failures brought about confession and repentance. The people agreed to sign a renewal of the covenant complete with promised loyalty to the One True God and ratified with a curse on anyone who breaks it. As a final act, Nehemiah lead reforms regarding intermarriage, honoring the sabbath, proper tithes and care for the Temple. Pagan gods bring out the lowest places in human nature, therefore, a Holy, set apart place for God alone must be the corner stone of all aspects of life.

As a memorialization of God’s grace, Israel observed the Feast of Tabernacles and remembered the work and power of God in delivering them out of slavery, into a homeland and eventually the world’s most powerful nation. In this moment, they were of one heart and mind and their singular objective was to obey and honor God. A confession heard and sins forgiven is earth’s highest reason to celebrate.

Love,

Gretchen

So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. Nehemiah 4:6 (Nehemiah 1-7)

Jewish tradition credits Ezra as the chronicler of Nehemiah’s story. He was the cup bearer to Persia’s ruler Artaxerxes when his brother brought disappointing news from Jerusalem. Progress on restoration and rebuilding had come to a halt. Nehemiah, a man that always turned to prayer first, prayed for four months before he took his burden to the king. Artaxerxes sent Nehemiah back home with the resources he would need to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall.

Back in Jerusalem, rubble on top of rubble was still the scene even though the Temple had been rebuilt. When surrounding enemy nations realized this once great city was on its way to becoming a fortress again, they used all manner of force, ridicule, terrorism, intrigue and misrepresentation to stop progress. They succeeded for a time. If that wasn’t enough, the wealthy Jews were exploiting the poor, something God strictly forbade. This scandal hindered constructive progress toward a restored homeland. But, God’s plan outweighed any personal concerns a prayer warrior and courageous man of action like Nehemiah might have.

Nehemiah secretly inspected the walls before he publicly announced his mission. This brilliant civic engineer organized laborers and protectors so that life could continue as work began and in 55 days 1.5 miles of wall was complete.

Respect for God and His Law was paramount to Nehemiah’s objectives. His anecdote to evil (and there was plenty to go around) was prayer followed by action.  As a side note, Artexerxes’ step-mother Esther was probably still living and had a strong influence on his positive position toward Palestine. This is another story of miraculous timing and God’s sovereign power over all things. Long before the day Nehemiah was burdened with Jerusalem’s sad state of affairs, God had a plan of victory……..and He still does today!

Love,

Gretchen

From the days of our forefathers until now, our guilt has been great. Because of our sins, we and our kings and our priests have been subjected to the sword and captivity, to pillage and humiliation at the hand of foreign kings, as it is today. Ezra 9:7 (Ezra 9-10)

When Ezra arrived in Jerusalem he finds the priests and Levites have intermarried with foreign women who have not set aside their gods. Under this leadership, layman followed, some forsaking their Jewish families while others kept Jewish wives as well. The state of God’s Holy people was a risk from the crumbling foundation of familial integrity. Do NOT mistake this as an act of prejudice. We see in the narratives of Ruth and Jonah, God reaches out to extend love and Grace universally. This is the Blessing Israel is expected to be, however, these unions were detrimental to Israel’s survival.  They were toxic and a death knell for the remnant.

In Deuteronomy 7:1-5 God gave a boundary to keep His people safe, whole, healthy and Holy, both emotionally and physically. He said, DO NOT INTERMARRY WITH HEATHENS! The wilderness wanderers who did not heed God’s command met disaster. Ezra stated the spiritual crisis and went immediately into prayer, seeking God’s direction. The conclusion; men would have to divorce their wives, heathen children and their detestable practices OR forfeit their property and all ties to Jewish heritage.

This complete purge is extremely severe by today’s standards, but the future of this fragile nation depended on it. The result was a complete cure of idolatry.

God knows best. He is serious about His care, but we must GIVE Him access to our choices and rights, He will NOT overstep our free will. Again I say, God knows best. He will take care of you if you trust and obey.

Love,

Gretchen

There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. Ezra 8:21 (Ezra 7-8) 

God’s active work in the lives of those who trust Him is always perfect in time, place and quantity. This I have learned over and over again, but never is evidence of an active, loving God’s constant care as poignant as it is in this episode of a man getting up everyday and doing God’s will.

A scholar of The Law with a pedigree that reached all the way back to Aaron, Ezra was God’s prepared hope for the present life of Israel in the years after Esther’s miracle.  As the exiles assimilated into foreign populations, the Hebrew language, in which Moses’ Law was originally written, became a less familiar exchange of the every day Jew. Ezra was chosen to teach God’s Law, beautify the Temple, restore Temple service, but first he must lead more that 1500 men, with their families, and all the gifts from Persia’s king, in a second return to Palestine.

Esther’s stepson Artaxerxes had a likening for the God of the Jews and instead of approaching this reestablished nation with suspicion, he decided to embrace them as a peaceful, geographical buffer between Persia and Egypt. He sent utensils and embellishments for the Temple, man power and herds for sacrifice. It will take a four month trek through foreign territory, to arrive in Jerusalem. Ezra does not want to ask for a military escort after the King has been so generous. Instead, he stops at the first water crossing and leads his entourage in fasting, prayer and worship, asking for God’s protection.

God is good. When the job seems far bigger than we can imagine, when we’re scared for ourselves and those entrusted to our care, God is good and faithful.

Love,

Gretchen

 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. Malachi 3:18 (The Book of Malachi)

Total annihilation as a nation cured Israel of their idolatry, but now, in the 20 year gap after the miracle of Esther and the justice brought to Haman, the people are discouraged and become casual and careless with their sacrifices, marriages and priesthood.  They wonder where this awaited Messiah and His glorious Kingdom are and was their previous good fortune just luck and coincidence. The neighboring heathen peoples are doing quite well while God’s people still struggle. This lead to one question we all face on bad days of despair and discouragement, “Does God even care?!”

The remnant that returned to Jerusalem and Judah had an enormous job waiting. But God promised His presence and an eternal Kingdom. Over the years they began to let the little things go. They scrimped on their tithes, offered sacrifices even their own municipal leaders would have been offended to receive, they put aside their Godly/Jewish wives for heathen women and soon followed their pagan gods, leaving children without Godly homes. Malachi speaks of sorcerers, adulterers, perjurers, those who defraud laborers of their honestly earned pay, who oppress widows and orphans and exact injustice on aliens. This is quite a list, but very familiar to each generation still coming. Never, in any time or place, or any circumstance, will God tolerate these behaviors from those who believe in Him.

So what are the weary to do, then and now? Wait patiently and lead a life that is befitting the Kingdom of God. Your heart is God’s earthly residence, and someday you will dwell forever in His presence.

Happy Thursday,

Gretchen

“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When it is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16 (The Book of Esther)

The story of Esther reads like a fairy tale, but has strong connections to historical accuracy and archeological validation. She was a beautiful Jewish girl raised by her cousin Mordecai after her parents died. King Xerxes was preparing for an exhibition against Greece. Before he left he had a great feast to show his wealth and power, but his current wife Vashti, refused to play along. He banished her and left orders for new candidates for queen to be made ready while he was gone. Upon his return he chose the beautiful Jewish girl, Esther. His side kick, Haman, did not know her uncle was Mordecai. Mordecai’s refusal to bow humbly, not just at court, as custom demanded, but to show personal submission to Haman, triggered an act of hate that became a plot meant to annihilate the Jewish people. Through faith and obedience the extermination of the Jews was averted and a path was made politically for Ezra and Nehemiah.

Purim is celebrated as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies and their sorrow was turned into joy.

God is not mentioned, probably because we have a version copied from Persian records. Yet, God’s providence and care is nowhere more evident than in this story. Egypt has its Joseph, Babylon its Daniel and Persia has the story of these brave and faithful servants to God’s will and way. If you think you can’t change the course of history, try. It’s simple, pray and obey.

Love,

Gretchen

They will pass through the sea of trouble; the surging sea will be subdued and all the depths of the Nile will dry up. Assyria’s pride will be brought down and Egypt’s scepter will pass away. I will strengthen them in the LORD and in His name they will walk,’ declares the LORD. Zechariah 10:11-12 (Zechariah 9-14)

Zechariah’s prophecies give the clearest picture of the life and death of the Messiah. He tells of a King that comes gently in peace, riding on a donkey, he mentions the 30 pieces of silver of Judas’ betrayal, and he speaks of the One that is pierced. The Gospels apply these words to the life and death of Christ. There is no one in the history of the world that fits Zechariah’s foretelling other than Jesus, Son of man and Son of God.
God’s people have suffered slaughter at the hands of false leaders. These shepherds rejected the Good Shepherd. Extensive evidence and references to the future are given in these final words of Zechariah. The Greek wars come 200 years after Zechariah’s death, Judah’s struggle with Alexander the Great, and on into the Maccabean period are described. Shortly after Jesus’ death Jerusalem was completely destroyed by Rome and the Jews were once again dispersed because they scorned and murdered The Prince of Peace. The leaders of the church, the shepherds, had evil agendas.
Idols are inanimate objects, they do not see, hear, love, hate or act. God alone brings spring rain and breaks the drought. It is He who provides life through earth’s seasons and the Blood of His own Son. We associate Jesus with Christmas and Easter, planning celebrations months in advance. I secretly buy gifts and organize occasions to bring delight and strengthen those I love most. BUT! Then I can’t wait, so I let the big secret out of the bag. No one is surprised on Christmas morning. Just like the words of Zechariah, God wanted them to know He had great things waiting for the right season and He just had to let them know. He is letting you know too. He’s got this!
Love,
Gretchen

The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice in it. Psalm 118:22-24 (Psalms 78, 107, 116, 118, 125, 126, 128, 132, 147, and 149)
These Psalms are the songs of a restored people, they used these words to worship in the completed Temple with great hope and celebration. They were new songs! Some very short, repeated over and over, we would call this contemporary worship. The completion of the Temple was symbolic to a restored nation and the joy they felt in the presence of God and their right relationship with Him. Some of the most delightful and powerful words in the Bible’s Hymnbook are found here. Each Psalm/song has a specific emphasis; 78 is a praise for God’s faithfulness to a rebellious nation, 107, the beauty of Israel after their punishment, 116 and 118 are Hallel (praise) Psalms, sung in the celebration of Passover. They would have been the words Jesus sung with His Disciples on the night before His crucifixion. 125 remembers that oppression will end and 126 is full of joy, 128 states the blessedness of righteousness, 132 praises God for the promise of David’s eternal Throne, 147 and 149 sings to the power of God and acknowledge that the Creator has Created again.
Imagine Jesus singing the verse above, understanding a rejected capstone much differently than those friends among Him. Yet, He rejoiced in the day the LORD had made, a day of agony for Him, but eternal life for you and me. Folks! That’s big!
I want to draw attention to verses 10 and 11 of Psalm 147. His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love. God’s delight is different from man’s. We stand proud of our accomplishments, becoming miffed when others don’t recognize our insight, contribution or status. Because we superimpose man’s image onto God rather than the inverse, we get carried away with trivial matters, missing God’s desire and marring His plan. God delights in humble hearts that are obedient, manifested in trust and works.
As a kindergarten teacher I tell my students, “Crisscross apple sauce, point your nose at my face, or the tip of my pointer, and make sure your belly button is lined up with your nose.” In doing so I can assure their eyes and ears are where I want them, seeing and listening. God wants this for His children too, looking, hearing, learning and following in His ways alone.
Have an Apple Sauce Kind of Day,
Gretchen

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With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD, “He is good, His love to Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. Ezra 3:11 (Ezra 1-3)

The code of conquering for Assyria and Babylon was defeat, deport and scatter. When Cyrus, king of Persia enters Babylon, Daniel tells him of the writing on the wall and shares the fulfilled prophesies of Isaiah, who actually named Cyrus, and Jeremiah. This influenced him to adopted the policy of repatriation.

Chapter 2 is the accounting of leaders, clans, priests, Levites, workmen and Solomon’s servants who chose to leave the lives they built in Babylon and return to Judah. Approximately 50,000 Jews returned. A fraction of what they once were, this nation, cut back to its very roots, began growing a new vitality with an emphasis on purity. The returning tribe of Judah gathered a few extra people, from the other tribes, along their journey. As a result, the reference to All Israel is made in worship and prayer, and the New Testament still speaks of the twelve tribes.

Upon entering Jerusalem, the first order of business was to rebuild the altar according to Mosaic Law and celebrate The Feast of Tabernacles and other religious observances. As soon as this had been accomplished, the foundation for the Temple was laid. There were mixed feelings among the elder generation, for they remembered what Judah and its magnificent city had been. But because God is faithful and He always does what He says He will do, the Jews are free to once again become themselves. They are subject to Persia, but culturally/religiously they are being restored in God’s image, complete with a plan of salvation for the entire world, in other words, to bless all nations…….the original purpose of God’s covenant people.

Don’t ever under estimate the power of God’s renewal! His love endures forever! It is the most powerful force in the universe!

Love,

Gretchen