Tag Archive - Artaxerxes

God’s faithfulness shown to His people: Nehemiah Summary

September 3, 2010 in Bible Blog with 0 Comments

Does God answer prayer? What is true leadership? Is God faithful to fulfill His promises? These are the questions that are answered in the book of Nehemiah? The setting found in the post exilic time for Israel as different groups of refugees escape from Babylon and return home to Israel to the city of Jerusalem. Nehemiah, the cup bearer for king Artaxerxes of Persia, leads one of these groups back.

Have you ever been moved to pray fervently for God’s help and deliverance? Nehemiah hears of the ruined wall and gates of Jerusalem and his spirit becomes downcast. He prays that God would help His people, Israel. When you pray to God do you actually believe that He exists, He hears you and that He is faithful? Did Nehemiah think that God would use him to answer his prayer? Was Nehemiah surprised when Artaxerxes showed concern for his servant? In the moment when some would have been fearful to speak up to the king Nehemiah trusted that God was working in his midst. Continue Reading…

Out of brokenness rebuilding can begin: Nehemiah 1 and 2

August 27, 2010 in Bible Blog with 1 Comment

What grieves your heart so much that you weep, fast and pray for God’s intercession? Zerubbabel and Ezra led the first two groups of exiles back to Jerusalem. Thirteen years after Ezra returned to Jerusalem, leading a remnant to offer sacrifices to God, Nehemiah, a cup bearer to king Artaxerxes of Persia, hears word from Jerusalem that grieves his heart. The news from Jerusalem that the walls and gates are in ruin after over ninety years of exiles having returned to Jerusalem breaks the heart of Nehemiah. Why is Nehemiah so concerned about the state of the walls of Jerusalem? He is living in comfort as the cupbearer of the king of Persia. Wouldn’t life be easier if he just pushed aside the feelings and remorse? Have you ever quenched the Holy Spirit’s prompting in your life because you were afraid to step out in faith? Continue Reading…

Where will you set your heart in moments of uncertainty: Ezra 7 and 8

August 24, 2010 in Bible Blog with 0 Comments

What plans does God have for your future? How should you go about life when you do not know what God would have you do? The temple in Jerusalem has been rebuilt and king Artaxerxes reigns Persia. Ezra a descendant of Aaron the high priest set his heart toward the Lord as he sought to study the law of the Lord, practice it and teach it to the people of Israel. Have you ever thought that you would start doing great things once you get to a certain age or geographic location? Ezra sought God wholeheartedly while he was still held in captivity in Persia. God’s hand was upon Ezra was evident in all he did because the requests made to the king were always granted. Did Ezra recognize God’s hand upon his life in these moments? As Ezra lived from day to day did he have moments where his faith wavered? Continue Reading…

What is in greater need of rebuilding: Ezra 3 and 4

August 22, 2010 in Bible Blog with 0 Comments

In Ezra 3 and 4 the peoples who returned to Jerusalem from Persia are starting to rebuild the temple of the Lord. The first priority for the people was not to build up the physical building of the temple but they sought to rebuild their adherence to God’s commands. The rebuilt the altar of the Lord and started to sacrifice again to God. Why was it of greater importance for the people to seek out God than  to build the Temple? The people knew that it was God alone who was working to bring them home and they needed to submit to Him to have any lasting success. The rebuilding of the temple was secondary to the rebuilding of the people dependance upon God. Continue Reading…