Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 28, 2014

“God Ordains Restoration” Ezra 3:1-7, 10-11; 6:19-22 Bible Study 12/28/14

As we turn to the book of Ezra this morning, we encounter a record of God-ordained restoration. Because of their rebellion and idolatry, the Lord brought judgment on the Southern Kingdom of Judah in the form of the Babylonian Captivity which commenced around 586 B.C. However, even in the midst of judgment, God promised a future restoration of His people to their homeland. After the Persians overthrew the Babylonians, King Cyrus of Persia issued an edict in 538 B.C. which opened the way for displaced Jews to return to their home. Our texts this morning address the rebuilding of the altar, the reestablishment of the Temple foundation and the restoration of God-prescribed worship in Jerusalem. The restoration depicted in these texts points us forward to that ultimate restoration which centers in the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because God is gracious, His people may be restored to worship Him according to His designed specifications.

I. A Rebuilt Altar (3:1-7)

-instructions of Cyrus
-significance of “seventh month”: Rosh Hashanah/Trumpets/Atonement/Tabernacles
-sacrifices/offerings demand an altar
-Joshua and Zerubbabel: religious and civil leadership
-priority of blood sacrifice to cover sins of the people
-New Covenant connections: Heb. 9:12, 15, 24-26; 13:10-16

II. A Reestablished Temple Foundation (3:10-11)

-praise and thanksgiving
-Psalm 118:1, 29

III. A Restoration of Worship (6:19-22)

-opposition along the way
-significance of Passover (Ex. 12:13)
-the uniting power of purified/true worship
-unleavened bread: readiness to obey