The book of Ezra jumps forward in history over fifty years to the time of Ezra himself. During the reign of Artaxerxes of Persia, Ezra the priest goes up from Babylon to Jerusalem, bringing with him many of the workers needed for the services of the temple. Ezra is described as a scribe, one whose heart was set to study, do, and teach the Law of the Lord. Aided by a decree from Artaxerxes for his journey and task, Ezra blessed God as he gathers together the people to go back to Jerusalem with him.

Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ezra 7:1-28.

"God Brings His People Home” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years in exile, the LORD began to fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the Promised Land. In the years that followed, faithful clergy and dedicated laity worked together to rebuild Jerusalem physically and restore the people of God spiritually. Through it all, God was at work to keep His promise of bringing the Savior into the world in the fullness of time.