God saves – Be Still…

Ezra 6:19-22 – Passover Celebration

Read Ezra 6:19-22

The first part of Ezra and the temple restoration ends with this passage – the celebration of Passover. It sounds like this was the first time the returnees celebrated this festival of remembrance since being back “home.” What a beautiful bridge to close the chapter of their past wrongs and open the new chapter full of promise of following the Lord and his decrees!

To celebrate the Passover is to remember how God showed up powerfully to save you. We can celebrate what Jesus did for us every day! Sharing in this celebration was a brilliant way to signify a unified heart devoted to God. Such a fitting end to the dedication festivities!

Zechariah 12:1-9 – Future Deliverance

Read Zechariah 12:1-9

This reading shows us how much God is doing to save and bless his people, not condemn them. Jesus’ own words to Nicodemus ring in my head from John 3:17. “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”

Our prophecy in this reading is speaking of how God will deliver Jerusalem and Judah from their foes. The theme is “on that day.” What happens on “that day?” How will we know when “that day” arrives?

Jeremiah 30:1-24 – Deliverance

Read Jeremiah 30:1-24

There is hope! After all the destruction and upheaval there will be restoration. God gives Jeremiah these words to keep hope real despite the judgment being endured by the people. Seeing that “light at the end of the tunnel” keeps us focused on the future.

Can you think of a time in your life when you felt hopeless? Maybe you had just lost your job or were looking for a new home in a crazy real estate market. Maybe you were suffering from a medical condition that didn’t have a cure. In those dark times, it can be excruciating to think positively. Clinging to hope is all you can do!