Reflections

Is the book of Chronicles just a rerun of stories we’ve already been told? How does it help us understand where the story of the Bible leads?In English Bibles, the books of 1-2 Chronicles follow Samuel and Kings, but in the ancient Hebrew ordering of the Scriptures, Chronicles is the final book of the Old Testament. So what is the significance of this? The book of Chronicles ends with a decree to build a temple. This is the same decree that is told in the book of Ezra-Nehemiah. But Ezra and Nehemiah have already built the temple. So the fact that the whole Hebrew Bible ends on this note tells us that there must be another return from exile, another temple that will be built up and a better leader to come—a Messiah who will lead the people back to communion with God. The Hebrew Bible ends in anticipation for all that’s to come.Let’s reflect more on this.Bible Reading 2 Chronicles 36:22-23Reflection Questions1. The temple is the place of communion where God and humanity, Heaven and Earth, all come together in unity. Reflect on how Jesus the Messiah leads his people into this place of unity. What comes to mind?2. What kind of exile do people return from in order to experience unity with God today?3. How have you experienced unity with God and others, and how are you still waiting with anticipation?Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study.Show CreditsHost: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Carissa Quinn Pre-Production: Zach McKinleyProduction: Cooper PeltzProduction and Bible Reading: Dan GummelTheme music: Grant William HaroldBackground Music: IamDayLight, BluePowered and distributed by Simplecast.

After Israel returned from exile, many of the people were just as selfish and unjust as before. But there was a remnant of Israel who trusted and honored Yahweh. God called them his treasure and reminded them to hold on to his words of promise. We too can join this faithful remnant. When we feel overwhelmed by the state of our world, we can stand alongside generations of those who patiently trusted God. He assures us that he will bring justice and set all things right. He will keep his word. So as we continue to wait, we can also hold onto hope.Bible Reading Malachi 3:16-4:6 Reflection Questions1. What is one thing you are patiently trusting God to make right? 2. God said that those who trust and follow him are his treasured possession. What comes to mind as you reflect on what it means to be treasured? 3. What would it practically look like for you to treasure God’s promises today? Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study.Show CreditsHost: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Tim Mackie Bible Reading: Michelle JonesProduction: Cooper Peltz, Dan Gummel, and Zach McKinley Theme music: Grant William HaroldBackground Music: Ian Post, To EdinburghPowered and distributed by Simplecast.

The book of Daniel explores what it means to be God’s people while living in a culture that is set against his values. How do God’s people remain faithful and confident in a situation like this? The strange dream in Daniel chapter 7 gives us some insight. In it we see there’s a kingdom ruled by the “Son of Man,” the one with all “authority, glory and sovereign power.” The oppressive rulers of this world will fail, but the Son of Man’s rule will never end. So when arrogant kings rise up, the people of God can look to a more powerful King. His name is Jesus, and all his followers are invited to live in the humble values of his Kingdom now, even while living amidst the kingdoms of Earth. Let’s reflect more on thisBible Reading Daniel 7:9-14Reflection Questions1. How can the arrogant beasts in Daniel’s vision help you notice oppression in the culture around you?2. How do you imagine the Kingdom of Jesus bringing hope to the oppression in your culture?3. How can the Son of Man in Daniel’s vision inspire you to stand up to the oppression around you?  Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study.Show CreditsHost: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Carissa Quinn Production: Cooper PeltzProduction and Bible Reading: Dan GummelPre-Production: Zach McKinleyTheme music: Grant William HaroldBackground Music: Kyle Preston, TwilightPowered and distributed by Simplecast.

What kind of person does God choose to work through most often? Can he work through me too? The book of Esther is a classic expression of the biblical idea that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. And God is still in the habit of elevating those who society has deemed unimportant. It might not always look as heroic as Esther’s story, but God can use anybody as an instrument for his purposes. If we want to partner with God, we don’t have to be rich, important, or powerful. We simply need to trust him over everything else. Bible ReadingEsther 4:1-6, 12-17Reflection Questions1. God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble. What are some other stories in the Bible where we see this truth?2. With those stories in mind, what does it practically mean to be humble? How is it a mindset as well as an action?3. What is one courageous step, small or big, that you could take today to trust God and humbly serve your community?Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study.Show CreditsHost: Cheree HayesMessage: Dr. Tim Mackie Bible Reading: Michelle JonesProduction: Cooper Peltz, Dan Gummel, and Zach McKinley Theme music: Grant William HaroldBackground Music: A Certain Distance, Sean WilliamsPowered and distributed by Simplecast.