evil one – Page 2 – Be Still…

Nehemiah 2:1-10 – Ask Boldly

Read Nehemiah 2:1-10

Just picture this scene happening. Nehemiah has clearly been lamenting over what is happening in his homeland. Now it’s starting to affect his work. His boss, the king, can see his sadness and inquires with compassion. It sounds like Nehemiah was shocked by the inquiry, not sure how much he should share.

With boldness after his initial fear, Nehemiah shares his desire to return to his homeland and make a difference there. Without hesitation it seems, the king granted Nehemiah’s request. God’s hand was working it all out. That had to be a great relief as well as inspiration to Nehemiah. Being used by God is exhilarating!

Ezra 9:1-15 – Cry Out to God

Read Ezra 9:1-15

Have you ever been in Ezra’s shoes, totally disgusted with the sinful behaviors surrounding you? It’s hard to not become embarrassed by the way some people choose to live their lives. This frustration is nothing new. The people God has created have a long history of making bad choices. Remember Adam and Eve?

Ezra chose to take his anguish to God in prayer. As if to apologize for all mankind, Ezra speaks of polluted holy race. Clearly the implications of intermarriage in Ezra’s day, and for generations before, amplified the chasm of sin keeping people for experiencing God’s best for them. What would Adam and Eve’s lives looked like if they had resisted the serpent’s cleverness? What would the Israelite people have looked like had they not intermarried people who distracted them from God’s laws?

Ezra 4:6-24 – More Opposition

Read Ezra 4:6-24

It’s not often we read a letter exchange like this in Scripture. Sure, the apostle Paul wrote letters in the New Testament, but they comprised whole books of their own. These letters are nothing like those because they are full of nonsense and devoid of facts. The purpose of these letters is to upset the King and drive a wedge between him and the people rebuilding the temple.

These attempts to sabotage God’s kingdom purposes in rebuilding the temple are blatant and mean. I find myself getting a bit defensive on behalf of God’s people. Did you? Will such an exaggeration go unpunished?

Mark 3:20-30 – The Unforgiveable Sin

Read Mark 3:20-30

What an encounter we witness in this reading! Jesus is busy fulfilling his mission, but even those closest to him don’t yet understand. They think Jesus has gone mad because he’s so busy serving by helping, healing, and casting out demons. The religious leaders are the ones who really miss the mark. Is their pride so strong that they must blaspheme the Holy Spirit?

I suppose if they were to accept Jesus’ actions, they would have to admit Jesus was the Messiah. Would that have been so horrible? Have you ever thought what Jesus’ ministry may have looked like had he not been an “enemy” in the eyes of the religious leaders who were anxiously awaiting the Messiah?

Mark 1:29-34 – The Healer

Read Mark 1:29-34

Mark’s first recorded healing miracle is for a woman related to one of his disciples! I’ve always marveled at the story. How fitting for this Hebrew woman to be healed and immediately start thinking of how she can serve. That speaks to the mindset of women in the household during those times, and how quickly a healing can take place.

Simon’s mother-in-law did not “milk” the illness. Once the fever left her, like the “energizer bunny” she was determined to make food to show her appreciation. Isn’t it what was expected of her when there were guests in the house? Did you ever wonder what she cooked?