52 Weeks in the Word - Week 21

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   Alright, we are beginning Week 21!  Last week was probably the most quiet discussion so far this year in our reading.  You all are doing an amazing job!  We have been reading in the Word together for over 5 months!  We did start reading in the winter, and now summer will soon be here.  There will be more competing with our time in the days ahead, but I want to encourage you to keep pressing on!  Keep discussing because your questions and comments encourage all of us to keep digging into the Word.

Last week we finished 2 Chronicles and Ezra, and we began reading Nehemiah.  The wall of Jerusalem was rebuilt and the Israelites came back together to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles and the people confessed their sins.  

This week, we will finish Nehemiah and Esther and begin the book of Job.  The book of Esther is a short book with a great message.  The author of Esther is unknown, though some believe it could have been Mordecai.  It was written around 500 - 400 B.C., within 50 years of Nehemiah.  There are 3 basic sections to the book: 1) Esther becomes Queen, 2) Haman's Plot, and 3) The Jews are Delivered.  Interesting Fact on the Book of Ester: God's name never appears in the entire book.  Remember those questions that are asked in our book each week?  What do you learn about God and His character in these verses?  Where is Jesus in these chapters?  God's fingerprint is found on every page as you read.  God's actions appear.  His thoughts and plan appear.  But His name never appears.  Some suggest that God was more interested in getting the job done than gaining credit.  I believe there was probably more to it than that.  He was teaching us something as well.

The book of Job always reminds me of what characteristics to avoid in friends.  It is believed to be one of the oldest books of the Bible, possibly the first one written.  The author is unknown, though some believe it to be Job himself, or Moses.  


  Looking ahead to Week 21:

The reading for Week 21 includes: Nehemiah 10 - Job 15.

With the above information, dive in to this week's reading.  I pray the Lord opens your eyes and heart to just exactly what He has for you to receive in this week's reading.  There are wonderful lessons and reminders throughout the book of Esther and Job.

Have a blessed week and keep the questions and comments coming!

Blessings!

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