This week, we will finish Nehemiah, read through all of Esther, and begin Daniel.  Nehemiah, along with the priests, celebrate the completion of the wall in Jerusalem through worship.  We can relate to this.  When significant events happen, especially in the church, we celebrate through worship, whether it’s a new ministry or a building campaign.  Esther is a unique book in the Bible because it doesn’t mention God at all.  Ironically, the book is all about God and his providential care for his special people, Israel.  In grace, he provides Esther and Mordecai to preserve his people.  Be alert to how God is moving even though he is never mentioned.  As we enter Daniel, we are introduced to Daniel and his friends, exiles from Israel, but educated and very desirable as leaders.  Daniel remains true to his beliefs and to his God by not eating the (unclean) food provided to him, even engaging in a risky experiment.  God is only beginning to use Daniel for his purposes, as he is called on to interpret the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar.  Through these historical events, we see God at work through his people; we see God remaining faithful to his covenant; we see God as the all-powerful one.

Be sure to check out the blog for the guiding questions as you read and for the opportunity to interact with each other.  We enter our rhythm of LEARN-READ-INTERACT.

From How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens, Michael Williams makes these points about Nehemiah:

Phrase: Distinctions
Theme: God moves the returned exiles to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.
Christ-Focus: Christ's true home (and that of his disciples) is not of this world (John 17:14-15).
Implications: Let the world see what it means to be distinctively Christian (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1).
Questions: What difference does your relationship with Christ make in your marriage, friendships, career, student life, or entertainment choices? Is there a visible distinction between your life and that of an unbeliever?

From How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens, Michael Williams makes these points about Esther:

Phrase: Providential Deliverance
Theme: God providentially provides Esther and Mordecai to bring Israel deliverance from her enemies.
Christ-Focus: The Father provides Christ to deliver his people "when the set time had fully come" (Galatians 4:4-5).
Implications: As Christ's ambassadors, we have been providentially provided to proclaim deliverance through him to those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Questions: What does it mean to be Christ's ambassador?  How could you be an agent of God's deliverance in the place where he has put you?

From How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens, Michael Williams makes these points about Daniel:

Phrase: Cosmic Authority
Theme: God asserts his authority over human kingdoms.
Christ-Focus: Jesus has divine authority over all things in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
Implications: Our kingdom service flows from, and is strengthened by, the limitless power and authority of God (1 Peter 4:11).
Questions: Are you embarrassed to speak the truth?  Do you trust your source?

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