(690) 22 November : Proverbs 30v20 / Ezra 5-6 / Psalm 140v4-8

BEGIN WITH PRAYER

"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on
Proverbs 30:20

Understanding to grow in

When tempted to give up, we need a word from God. And so his prophets encouraged the people to continue their building, just as preachers today keep us to the task of evangelism and discipleship. There is therefore irony when the Jews' enemies ask "who authorised you to rebuild?" God did. And we need no other authorisation. As Peter himself said when charged no longer to preach by the authorities in his day: "Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him?" (Acts 4v19). And so, because "the eye of their God" was on the people, the letter to the current Persian king gained favour, the temple was completed in 516BC, the people rejoiced, and worship was conducted "according to the book of Moses" - beginning with the all important passover. But just so we don't miss it, we're told their joy was because God had changed "the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them." This is our God. Even the gates of hades can not hinder the building of the church as the place of his temple-presence. As you read note how God was at work.

Ezra 5-6

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:

1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.

2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up

You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.

Psalm 140:4-8

·       For introductions to the various Bible books click here.

·       To consult Matthew Henry’s concise commentary click here