When God's people rightly worship, there will be active resistance. Chapter 4 begins a record of snapshots spanning 15-16 years. These snapshots provide insight into the events that delayed the temple's continued construction. Though people in the land wanted to help, they were not who they claimed to be. 

What is our personal response to the work of God? Upon completion of the temple foundation, there were two responses: some praised, and some wept. However, the response of Zechariah and Haggai was an exhortation, do not despise the little things.

What is worship worth to us? As the people of God gathered, their fear of the Lord was greater than the fear of the people in the land. With this risk in mind, they still met to worship, because God is worthy of worship.

What seems to be a simple list of people points to something in the future. A future group of people united together in worship through Christ. However, just as in Ezra 2, there will be people in the future group who are deceived, thinking they are part of God's people, but they are not. 

The Israelites' departure from captivity and return to Jerusalem mirrors the Exodus from Egypt. But more importantly, it points forward to the freedom Christ would provide from the penalty of sin, pointing us to a heavenly hope.

God is faithfully active in every circumstance. This reminder weaves through the first chapter of Ezra. It is a truth displayed in the historical account, and it was a truth of which future readers needed to be aware. 

This lesson begins a study in the book of Ezra. Situating the book in the scope of redemptive history, the account of the Israelites returning to Jerusalem teaches the believer valuable lessons about the dangers of idolatry.

Our knowledge of God's presence in our lives should change the way we view our circumstances. As Paul concludes 2 Thessalonians, he writes a blessing that unveils a rich truth that comforts our hearts in affliction and brings peace in all circumstances. 

It is easy to grow weary in doing good. Paul knows this truth firsthand. However, in this portion of his letter to the Thessalonian church, he reminds them to lean into Christ.

If you knew you were in your last days or hours of life, what would take priority in your life? In this passage, we look at what governed Paul's life and how he offers a model for the believers in Thessalonica.