God's perfect plan – Be Still…

Ezra 5:6-17 – A Spy’s Report

Read Ezra 5:6-17

The saga of the temple’s construction continues. We met Tattenai, the provincial governor, in our last reading. Apparently, he is so troubled by seeing this temple rebuilt that he started interrogating the workers to find out who was in charge. After all, this is a building project he believes is under his jurisdiction, shouldn’t he be able to question it?

This governor seems to be more like an undercover spy looking for a scoop. He took the intel he received from the construction leaders and sent a letter to King Darius. I wonder what Tattenai is afraid of. Perhaps he’ll lose the favor of King Darius should there be a rebellion. Of course, it will take a while for Jerusalem to be rebuilt to its glory and power of the past.

Zephaniah 3:9-13 – Is This What Heaven Will Be Like?

Read Zephaniah 3:9-13

This section of Zephaniah’s prophecy starts with the word, “Then.” Because this word, then, points to an event or moment in time, what Zephaniah describes becomes an observation of what we’ll see around us. I had to admit it sounded like a very pleasant place, a glimpse of what heaven might be like.

Can you imagine a time when all people speak only positively “so that everyone can worship the Lord together.” No more harsh, hurtful words that separate people, but loving words that bind people together in harmony, praising the Father and creator of all. I can just picture an angel choir making beautiful music.

Luke 22:63-23:55 – Guilty or Not Guilty?

Read Luke 22:63-23:55

Reading about Jesus’ final hours can be an emotional encounter, especially when we put ourselves in the scene. We’ve been walking with Jesus to the cross, and today we arrive. Seeing it dramatized is also a very powerful way to remember. I’ll never forget the car ride home in silence after our family watched Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ” when it first came out in theatres.

Sometimes we want to rush ahead to what happens next, but the first disciples didn’t know this was only the beginning of the miracle of all miracles. Let’s stay where we are in this moment, seeing our Savior’s sacrifice of love.