So we arrived in Jerusalem, where we rested three days. – Ezra 8:32

Today's Scripture Reading (November 7, 2023): Ezra 8

Indonesian author Toba Beta says, "God didn't create the universe in six days of human measure. God's still working, then hasn't yet reached the seventh day." Of course, taking Beta seriously causes us problems with our understanding of the Genesis creation story. But I also understand and believe that God is still creatively at work on the earth. Creation is not finished yet, and as Christians, we should be at the heart of what God is attempting to create in our world. However, rather than arguing that we haven't reached the seventh day, I enjoy the experience of the paradox of the eighth day. The eighth day is a paradox because I believe the eighth day is a day of rest but also a day of work. It is the summation of everything that has come before and a recognition that what God has created, he will also complete. 

Ezra and those who accompanied him from Persia back to Jerusalem have finally arrived at their destination. It has taken the group four months to get there. The journey has been arduous, and yet it has also likely included times of teaching and rest. Ezra was unlikely to wait to get to Jerusalem before beginning to command that the people follow the Jewish Laws and regulations. He has used his time with these people to teach them about the law and how to observe the various celebrations and Holy Days.

I can't imagine any circumstances under which Ezra would allow the returning exiles not to observe the Sabbath or any other mandatory days of rest while they were on their journey. But even with these occasional times of rest, the journey must have been exhausting. And so, as they arrive at their destination, Ezra declares a three-day period where the people can stop their labor and celebrate what God is doing in their midst.

This was a day that had been dreamed of for generations. And now this group of people were living the dream. They had returned to the land of their ancestors a hundred and thirty years after Jerusalem had been destroyed. They were pioneers who had come to Israel to try and rebuild the area into a place that they, and others, could once again call home. It would be a tough job, but they felt called to it. However, before they could rebuild the city, they needed to find rest for their bodies and souls worn out by the journey. And then, Ezra could make sure that they were ready to rebuild their spiritual beings at the same time as they rebuilt the City of David. If this were to become home again, the people would need to repair every aspect of life in Israel.   

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Ezra 9