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Ezra 7:1-6 - a scribe skilled in the Lay -Day 7

As you can tell,  I don't always succeed in following Luther's 4 strands.  But I am putting these in as I wrote them a year ago.  Making them into what I think today after the last year really isn't the goal.

Blessings,

Jeff

Instruction - about 60 years pass before Ezra and second group return to Judah. Almost as long as the 70 year exile imposed by the Lord. Ezra has the Levitical pedigree, so why didn't his father or grandfather return in the first group which was heavily weighted toward priests and Levites?  What does his story teach me?  Physical lineage is not determinant in spiritual condition. Just as faith of parents isn't transferred to children. The point is, Ezra was a true Levitical priest. Individual response to individual call. The parable of workers called at various times of the day.   Always ask Who, not why. 

Thanksgiving - sovereign over the whole return sequence. It happened the way You ordained it yet each generation acted freely in staying in Babylon after 70 years were completed. 

Confession  - making excuses for the way I am today based on the past.   For example, I have made it this far without witnessing, why  start now?  Trying to figure out the incomprehensible in the hearts and minds of others. 

I try to think the best of others, and eventually tire of those who assume the worst. Paralyzed by the inner conflict.  to the point I really don't want to pray.

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