Happy Endings

Happy Endings Numbers are important in Scripture. They are not magical, but they are informative and symbolic many times. If six is the number of ‘man’, the best Jacob has put together by the end of his life was a couple sixes. But if seven is the number of perfection and completion, God has done a miraculous work in putting together a ‘perfect’ family in the midst of famine, jealousy, betrayal, favouritism, and lies. Aren’t you glad God is not finished with you yet? Prayer: Dear Lord, my life is in your hands. If you can change a messed up family like Jacob’s, I trust my own to your hands. I believe you have a plan for us and trust you to make it happen. Pour out your blessings unto our household. We want to be witnesses of your mighty sovereignty. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 23

TURNING POINT

[Scheduled Reading: 2 Chronicles 36, Ezra, Nehemiah 1-7]

The books Ezra and Nehemiah are significant turning points for the story of Israel.

After a 70-year exile, God opens the door for a return to Jerusalem. Notice the language in Ezra 1:1 (and again in Chapter 6) of how God uses other leaders, like Cyrus king of Persia, to give a new birth for the Israelite nation. There's a mega-theme for us here - GOD GETS HIS WAY… ALWAYS!

Through the leadership of Ezra, the people return to rebuild the temple. And through Nehemiah, they rebuild the wall. Together they help to restore working order for Judah.

And guess who happens to be among the named exiles who returns to Jerusalem in Ezra 2:2?

Zerubbabel!

“And who is Zerubbabel?” you ask.

He’s a descendant of David - and the one who will carry The Seed forward. (You'll find his name sprinkled nine times throughout Ezra and Nehemiah. Can you find them :)

And guess who surfaces exactly ten more generations into the future from Zerubbabel?

Joseph, the carpenter… the father of Jesus.

The big picture is coming into view.