Terri’s Passing

I am sad to know that my country murdered an innocent, defenseless woman today.

Once again, I am amazed at the timing of things. For today's helpful Bible study practice after prayer and careful reading of the Bible passage, the next step is to reflect on what you have read. Wait in an attitude of openness, ready to obey God's Word to you. First, think through the passage. Then, ask yourself such questions as I present in each day's study.

Bible Study, Ezra 2:1-70
What is the main point? God returns the Children of Israel to their land and to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the nation. It is important to note verse 62. The Jewish people kept track of their ancestry. Some wrongfully or ignorantly accuse my people of being clannish (if we were Scottish, no one would object). The truth of the matter is that God charged the Children of Israel to be the keepers of His Word that declares His promise of the soon coming Messiah, and that He would come forth from the Jewish people. So, we are careful not to ensure a snobbish pedigree, but to be obedient to God participating in His purpose to fulfill His promise. We will protect His Word with our lives.
What does God reveal about Himself? He keeps His promise. He warned Israel that if they disobeyed Him that they would be destroyed. God used King Nebuchadnezzar to accomplish this. God promised to return the people to the land and He used King Cyrus to send them back.
What insights into my life? Terri Schiavo passed away today. We may never know the truth and we may never understand why God allowed the hard hearts to kill her. But, we must trust that He knows what happened, that He knows the truth and that He will execute righteous judgment at His appointed time. I believe that our nation has forgotten God. We have been blessed more than any nation. Are we better than Israel? If God did not spare His chosen vessel, what makes us think He will allow us to continue to mock His grace. I think our nation has progressed down a path of self destruction that is not recoverable.
How can I honor God with this information? I wonder if it is time to warn people of His coming judgment?
Where is God working today? I am praying for the family of Terri Schiavo. I cannot imagine the deep, painful grief they face. Only the Holy Spirit can comfort them in their sorrow. I hope that we don't soon forget Terri, and the important issue that she presented to us for national debate. America has learned to embrace the "right" to die. Have we traded away the Right to Life?