3 books, 3 things.

The books of Ezra, Esther, and Nehemiah share a few things in common. If we were to sum it up, we'd focus on three essentials: records, respect, and reverence.


First off, RECORDS —they're everywhere in these books. Letters are flying left, right, and center! Some are from kings, others from local leaders, while others are from individuals. What stands out is that these records were meticulously kept (Ezra 6:1-3). They didn’t just store them in some dusty corner; these records had power. They got the work in Jerusalem started, stalled, and restarted (Ezra 4:23-24). They even secured funding! And let’s not forget that it was a well-kept record that got Mordecai that sweet promotion (Esther 6:1-3). So, before you hit delete on that email or chat, remember, records can make or break you—but maybe just keep the positive ones, yeah?


Then there’s RESPECT —it’s like the secret sauce in these books. Leaders, elders, and kings are treated with a certain reverence, whether they deserved it or not. Esther, even after becoming queen, still respected her cousin Mordecai (Esther 2:20). And Nehemiah? He was so respectful that he even got a king’s permission to rebuild Jerusalem—letters to prove it and all (Nehemiah 2:7-8). These leaders weren’t necessarily besties with the people, but there was wisdom in honoring the authority of the day. Of course, when those authorities tried to drag them away from God’s will, that’s when the gloves came off (Nehemiah 6:2-3).



Lastly, REVERENCE —God was revered throughout these stories, even when His name wasn’t explicitly mentioned, like in Esther. Her story is a masterclass in God’s invisible hand at work. Despite no direct shout-outs to God, His providence is all over the place, guiding events to fulfill His divine purposes (Esther 4:14). It’s a reminder that sometimes, God’s will is accomplished in the most ordinary ways, without fanfare or fireworks.


So, there you have it: three books, three things.

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