On Day 134 of our "Bible in a Year" journey, we begin Ezra with chapters 1-3. Cyrus’s decree allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem, fulfilling God’s promise. Led by Zerubbabel, they rebuild the altar and lay the temple’s foundation, celebrating with joy and tears amid renewed worship.Questions:1. Cyrus’s decree in chapter 1 enables the exiles’ return—how does this act challenge us to consider God’s sovereignty in using even pagan rulers to fulfill His redemptive promises for His people?2. The rebuilding of the altar in chapter 3 prioritizes worship before the temple—how might this choice prompt us to reflect on the centrality of offering our lives to God as a foundation for spiritual renewal?3. The mixed emotions of joy and weeping in chapter 3 mark the temple’s foundation—how does this response invite us to wrestle with the tension between gratitude for God’s restoration and mourning over past losses?Use my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here