January 24, 2010

God Always Has a Plan

Israel and Judah were no more. Their cities lay in ruins. Their land repopulated by foreigners. Now the Jews were scattered among the nations and held in captivity. Nevertheless, God always had a plan. It was a plan for deliverance and hope. God still has a plan for his people today. (Ezra 1:1-11)

Jerusalem after the Exile

The great city of Jerusalem had been reduced to ruins. The Babylonians had been cruel conquerors and had made it clear that the Jews could never return to their homeland. Yet, 50 years later, the impossible happened, and the exiles turned their steps toward Jerusalem once again. What was it like for these returnees? What new challenges did they have to overcome when they moved home after so many years away? Explore this intriguing topic in this week's Illustrated Bible Life article, "Jerusalem After the Exile."