Ezra’s story parallels our own story.
Context
The Tabernacle = Moses
The First Temple = Solomon
The Second Temple = Returning exiles from Babylon
The Renovation of the Second Temple = Herod
The Destruction of the Temple = Roman Empire
(MULTILINE)
God instructed Moses to build a tabernacle for worship in the desert during the Exodus.
Supporting Scripture: Exodus 25:1-9 (ESV)
(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
It will take each one of us.
(MULTILINE)
In roughly the 10th century B.C., Solomon built the first permanent temple in Jerusalem.
Supporting Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:11-16 (ESV)
(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
The third major event was the sending of the exiles back to rebuild the second temple in 538 B.C.
The fourth major event was Herod renovating and expanding the second temple in the 1st century B.C.
“And now Herod, in the eighteenth year of his reign, undertook a very great work, that is, to build of himself the temple of God, and make it larger in compass, and to raise it to a most magnificent altitude, as esteeming it to be the most glorious of all his actions, as it really was, to bring it to perfection; and that this would be sufficient for an everlasting memorial of him.” – Josephus
(MULTILINE)
In 70 A.D., the Roman Empire destroyed Herod’s temple.
The first thing you need to know about Ezra is… who is he?
(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
Supporting Scripture: Ezra 7:5-6 (ESV)
(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
Supporting Scripture: Ezra 7:10 (ESV)
(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
#1 – He was a priest who traced his lineage to Aaron, the first priest.
#2 – He was skilled in God’s Word and God’s hand was upon him.
#3 – He went from Babylon to Jerusalem to teach God’s Word to the Jews who had rebuilt the temple.
(MULTILINE)
Everything Ezra wrote in the first six chapters of his book was roughly 80-100 years after it happened.
What parallels exist between Ezra’s story and our own?
The first parallel is that we are on a divine timeline.
(MULTILINE)
Supporting Scripture: Ezra 1:1 (ESV)
(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
Supporting Scripture: Jeremiah 25:11-12
(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
604 B.C. – the first exiles under Jehoiakim’s reign
586 B.C. – the most exiles under Zedekiah’s reign
538 B.C. – the first exiles return
In these last days, God is calling us to do something significant as part of the movement of His Spirit that will bring revival to the remaining generations before He comes. We are on God’s timeline and not our own, and time is of the essence!
(MULTILINE)
The second parallel is that we are being asked to rebuild what Satan has tried to destroy.
(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
What we are truly seeking to build is not a building, but souls in the image of God.
Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 (ESV)
(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV)
(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
The invitation: Build and tell people why.
(MULTILINE)
Here are some reflection questions for a small group discussion on Ezra 1:1-5, focusing on themes of building a legacy:
- Understanding Calling: What do you think motivated King Cyrus to allow the Israelites to return to Jerusalem? How does this reflect God’s larger plan?
- Personal Legacy: In what ways do you see your own actions contributing to the legacy you want to leave behind?
- Community Involvement: How can our community come together to support each other’s legacies? What role does collaboration play in building a lasting impact?
- Faith and Action: In Ezra 1:5, the people responded to Cyrus’s proclamation. How can we be proactive in responding to God’s call in our own lives today?
- Challenges and Opportunities: What challenges might arise when trying to build a legacy that honors God? How can we overcome these challenges?
- Generational Impact: How can the lessons from Ezra’s return to Jerusalem inform the way we approach our own family or community legacies?
- Practical Steps: What are some practical steps you can take this week to intentionally start building your legacy?
- Scriptural Reflection: How does this passage inspire you to reflect on your faith journey and its impact on future generations?