Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Easter, Year B Ezra 5—7
Nick reads the one-minute Firestarter. 
Haggai and Zechariah, two prophets of the Bible, appear on the scene to “jump start” the rebuilding of the Temple. Another letter of complaint is sent to Darius, King of Persia. He digs through the archives for the original decree of the former King, Cyrus. Yes, Cyrus had decreed the rebuilding of the Temple. Darius now forbids altering the decree. You will read what would happen if anyone did!
The second Temple was completed in 515 B.C. This Temple was standing in Jesus’ time, with further magnificent additions done by Herod the Great.
Ezra, the holy teacher, and lover of the Word, himself leads a group of persons on the return. The phrase “The hand of our God,” occurs six times in chapter 7 and the next. Greater than the hands of those who oppose, is the hand of the Lord upon this holy man.
The Reading for Today
Tuesdays are dedicated to Hebrew History and “The Writings.”
During the remainder of the Easter Season, we read the Book of Ezra.
The Lord moved the Babyloian king to not only let the Israelites return home and rebuild the temple, but to offer them all assistance, even riches. God moves not only us, but also those who would be our enemies.
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God is coming against our enemies with love, relieving us of the need to turn them into friends.
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