Through The Bible - English - 15 (1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker discusses the books of Chronicles, noting that the genealogy provided in the early chapters emphasizes that God is personally interested in every individual, knowing their entire history. He highlights that being 'more honorable' can be connected to overcoming pain and suffering, and encourages prayer for spiritual enlargement. Furthermore, the speaker stresses the importance of supporting God's servants when they are despised, drawing parallels to the rejection faced by true prophets and Jesus.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God's personal interest in every individualThe long genealogies in 1 Chronicles 1 through 9 show that God knows each person's family tree and has a personal plan for every life.
The prayer of JabezJabez was noted as more honorable than his brothers, and his prayer asking God to bless him, enlarge his border, keep him from harm, and protect him from evil was granted.1 Chronicles 4:9–10
Recognizing God's anointing when leaders are rejectedDavid's mighty men joined him when he was persecuted and rejected by Saul, illustrating the true spiritual principle of following God's anointed even when they are unpopular.
David preparing for the templeAlthough David was not permitted to build the temple himself, he made ample preparations and gathered materials to make the work easy for his son Solomon.
The eyes of the Lord searching to support the wholeheartedHanani the seer rebuked King Asa for relying on foreign help instead of God, leading to the powerful truth that God's eyes move throughout the earth to strongly support those whose hearts are completely His.
Micaiah the true prophet versus false counselMicaiah refused pressure to echo the false prophets and spoke only what God told him, accepting persecution for standing for the truth.
The pride and leprosy of King UzziahUzziah prospered while he sought God, but when he grew strong, his heart became proud, and he was struck with leprosy for unlawfully trying to act as a priest.
God testing Hezekiah after great blessingAfter receiving a miraculous sign, Hezekiah became proud, and God left him alone to test him and reveal what was in his heart.
Two great movements in the Old TestamentThe journey from Egypt to Canaan pictures individual salvation, while the movement from Babylon to Jerusalem pictures coming out of dead religious systems to corporately build the body of Christ.
God's sovereignty in stirring King CyrusGod influenced the heathen King Cyrus to support the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, showing that God is sovereign over all people.Ezra 1:1
Sifting through the return to JerusalemMany chose to stay in the comfort of Babylon rather than face the danger and expense of going to Jerusalem, demonstrating how spiritual sifting occurs when God's house is built.
Rebuilding the altar and facing oppositionUnder Zerubbabel and Joshua, the people united to build the altar and lay the temple foundation, immediately facing opposition from adversaries who compromised the truth.
Ezra's devotion to God's word and deep repentanceEzra was a skilled scribe devoted to the law of God who led the people in confession, weeping, and making restitution for unfaithfulness.
