daily reading 18.2 (Ezra 5:3–7)

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Our opening prayer for this Easter week:

Jesus, shepherd of the sheep,

Who your Father’s flock does keep,

Safe we wake, and safe we sleep,

Guarded still by you.

In your promise firm we stand;

None can take us from your hand.

Speak— we hear— at your command,

We will follow you.

By your blood our souls were bought; 

By your life salvation wrought; 

By your light our feet are taught,

Lord to follow you. 

Father draw us to your Son; 

We with joy will follow on 

Till the work of grace is done, 

There to live with you.

We in robes of glory dressed,

Join the assembly of the blest,

Gathered to eternal rest

In the fold with you. Amen.

Ezra 5:3–7

• At that time Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates River, Shethar-bozenai, and their colleagues came to the Jews and asked, "Who gave you the order to rebuild this temple and finish this structure?"
• ⁴ They also asked them, "What are the names of the workers who are constructing this building?"
• ⁵ But God was watching over the Jewish elders. These men wouldn't stop them until a report was senct to Darius, so that they could receive written instructions about this matter.
• ⁶ This is the text of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates River, Shethar-bozenai, and their colleagues, the officials in the region, sent to King Darius. ⁷ They sent him a report, written as follows.

Helpful notes on Ezra 5:3–7

Tattenai demands answers

For yourself pray:

• That God watches over you today

For others pray:

• That God glorifies his holy name by spreading the good news of hte kingdom of the Son he loves in Syria

A psalm to listen to, as time allows:

• Psalm 61 (YouTube, duet with piano)