DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

UNDERSTAND that we should celebrate with joy what God has done in our lives; DESIRE to share God's blessings with others as a witness to His goodness; and CELEBRATE the goodness of Jesus. 

FOCAL VERSES EZRA 6:13-22

KEEP IN MIND 

"And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy" (Ezra 6:16). 

AT-A-GLANCE 

1. The People Dedicate the New Temple (Ezra 6:13-16)

2. The People Offer Sacrifices to God for the New Temple (vv. 17-18)

3. The People Celebrate Passover in the New Temple (vv. 19-22)

IN FOCUS 

James and Valerie have been waiting on the Lord for a new home. Valerie, in the second trimester of her pregnancy, did not want to raise their child in a tiny apartment. Valerie's dad asked James, "What are your plans, son? You're going to be a father and the baby will be here before you know it." James asked his father-in-law to join in prayer for God's favor as they searched for a home. James found what he thought was the perfect home not too far from Valerie's parents in a area with a good school district. After fasting and prayer, James and Valerie heard from the Lord and decided to move forward. God gave them favor with the bank, and they were able to get a mortgage and purchase a new home. Not only did they have enough room for the baby, but they decided they would make sure to always have a prayer closet that the dedicated to the Lord for His many wonderful blessings. They hosted a housewarming party, inviting family and friends over to celebrate with them; they rejoiced in the Lord for always giving them what they needed. 

In today's lesson, we will study how the Children of Israel celebrated the successful rebuilding and dedication of God's Temple just in time for Passover. 

BACKGROUND

After release from captivity in Babylon for 70 years, King Cyrus issued a decree in 538 B.C. giving clearance for the Children of Israel to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). The work was under way when the contingency was met wit resistance from the neighboring provinces. The foundation of the rebuilding of the Temple was laid, but the work was halted under Artaxerxes's reign between 537 and 520 B.C. (Ezra 4).

Within the second year of the reign of King Darius, he reviewed the documents issued by King Cyrus and reversed the previous ruling by King Artaxerxes (Ezra 4:24). King Darius issued a decree (Ezra 6:8, NIV): "Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God."

The expenses of these men were to be fully paid out of the royal treasury. God's justice prevailed; He not only provided favor with the king to complete the work, but he made sure the had more than enough to do it at someone else's expense. As we embark on today's lesson, we will study the celebration of the completed work and how the Children of Israel memorialized this God-given victory. 

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. What was the significance of the offerings unto the Lord, particularly the sin offerings, as the new Temple was dedicated?

2. Discuss why the Passover celebration was especially meaningful as the new Temple was dedicated. Why do you think it was important to keep the Passover?

3. Why do you think the Scripture notes in Ezra 6:22 that the Lord "made them joyful"? How does this relate to James and Valerie (In Focus)?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

So often the picture of Christianity to the world is so solemn and devoid of joy that it does not reflect the true life the Lord Jesus came to gives us. While we are to be mindful and reverence does not mean that God does not want us to express His joy in our hearts at all times, especially when we experience great victory in His name. As saints, we are to make His name great, and nothing magnifies Him more than when we celebrate with joy the wonderful things he has done for us. 

MAKE IT HAPPEN

As we gave seen in today's lesson, there is a time and place for everything as we worship the Lord as a lifestyle. Here's an opportunity to make every effort to live life in balance, remembering that by grace we are saved and not ourselves. It is the gift of God. Therefore, we should boast in the Lord for His goodness. Practice boasting in the Lord this wee with great joy, giving Him glory for everything in your life. 

(Except for The Apostolic Way)

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On-Lesson