Bible In One Year-Day 178 (Thursday, June 27, 2013)

Commentary: Ezra1-3. Ezra gave account of the return of Judah after 70 years of captivity as prophesied by Jeremiah. Babylon carried Judah captive. While in exile, Judah built houses and had fairly good living, even with freedom of religion. At the end of the 70 years, God empowered Prince Cyrus II of Persia to overcome Babylon and set the Jews free. The same Cyrus was named in Isaiah 45. God raised him up for the freedom of His people;

Isaiah 45:13 “I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.”

After taking over, he gave the Jews the grace, by the issuance of a decree, to return to their land, Ezra1:2-4. The Exodus was led by Zerubbabel who was appointed by the Persian king as Governor. However, while on exile, some foreigners from Assyria and suburbs had occupied some of the land. The Jews faced some opposition for about seven months in trying to settle down and repair the altar of the Lord as ordered by Cyrus. The first attempt they made to build the altar was in fear. They, however, continued other religious activities as commanded by Moses. They were able to lay the foundation of the Temple in the second year.

The return of the Judeans was a testimony to God’s faithfulness. Whatever vision we receive from God, we can only honor Him by believing, trusting and waiting on Him. The vision is to give us strength when going weary and to build our faith. God is never late. In His plan, no one could hasten Him. His promises are as good as His covenant to him that is in Christ;

2 Corinthians 1:20 “For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us.”

To enjoy God fully, do not depart from the old land mark. Abraham won God’s heart by believing in what He told him; honoring God by His word, i.e. not regarding Him as a liar or an unfaithful God. In the same way, we can honor God by believing in the vision he has shown you knowing that He is not a liar, but a faithful Father worthy of trust. Man can fail his promises, kings can change their mind, friends can disappoint you, but God is faithful to His word given to you either in visions or dreams. Those who had testimonies in the scriptures are those who took God at His word. Believing His Word is believing in Jesus Christ.

Let us seek for the old path where we could find rest. Let us listen to the trumpet’s sound, wherewith we could escape the calamity to come. Our reading for today is Ezra4-6. Keep the fire burning and alive.

Join us for Begin-The-Month-With-Jesus on Sunday, June 30, 2013 on phone at 11:59pmEST. Call +1-712-432-3100, conference code 851608. You must unlock the heaven over the month of July.

Pastor Supo Abayode

+1-302-230-6792

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries

Delaware, USA