1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
1 Corinthians 1:7-8
Philippians 3:20
 Read the Bible always looking
for Jesus
 Live life always looking for
Jesus to come back
Bridge from Habakkuk to Ezra/Nehemiah
 Habakkuk predicts Babylon’s invasion
and eventual destruction.
 Ezra begins with Cyrus who defeated
Babylon
 Ezra/Nehemiah describe restoration
initiated by Cyrus
Ezra 1:1
Bridge from Habakkuk to Ezra/Nehemiah
 Ezra – rebuilding of temple
 Nehemiah – rebuilding walls
Luke 24:27
Old Testament Overview
17 books
5 books
17 books
• GenesisEsther
(History:
Creation to
Exile)
• Job-Song of
Solomon
(Worship &
Wisdom)
• Prophets
(Commentary
on the
History)
Anticipating Jesus in Ezra/Nehemiah
1. The reassurance that God keeps his promises
Jeremiah 29:10
Ezra 1:1
Isaiah 44:24 & 28
Luke 2:25-28
Luke 2:36-38
2 Peter 3:2-13
2 Peter 3:2-13
Anticipating Jesus in Ezra/Nehemiah
1. The reassurance that God keeps his promises
2. Setting the Stage for the Climax of God’s
Drama
•
The temple rebuilt
•
The messianic line protected
Hebrews 2:8-9
Romans 8:23
Anticipating Jesus in Ezra/Nehemiah
1. The reassurance that God keeps his promises
2. Setting the Stage for the Climax of God’s
Drama
•
The temple rebuilt
•
The messianic line protected
•
“Already” & “Not Yet”
Anticipating Jesus in Ezra/Nehemiah
3. Reinforcing the Pattern for God’s Deliverer
•
•
•
•
•
•
Holds palace authority
Leaves to repair ruins
Steals in at night
Identifies with oppressed
Leaves for a time
Returns to rule
 Waiting for Christ or hoping in this
world?
 Enjoying good gifts in life or depending on
them for life?
 Hollow center or a Holy Center?