Sharing Scripture for November 24 – 30

This is a tool for you to use if you lead a Sabbath School (SS) class or small group. It is keyed to the Bible texts used in the current week’s Adult SS Lesson and includes a brief story from current news you can use to introduce the discussion and then a series of discussion questions in a relational pattern designed to build fellowship and spiritual reflection.

For use: Nov. 24 – 30

Texts: Ezra 1:9-11; Daniel 1:1, 2; Daniel 5; Deuteronomy 30:1-6; Ezra 8:1-23; Nehemiah 10:29; 11:1, 2; 12:1-26.

In America, we are experiencing another Thanksgiving and the roller coaster that comes with the annual family gathering. For some, describing the event with the verb “celebrated” gives an accurate description, yet for others, “endured” could be a better portrayal. As stories are passed around the dinner table, they may recall trials and tribulations they had to overcome—including holiday travel.

In the days prior to Thanksgiving, news sources reminded travelers how to make the trip more comfortable and efficient. Continually confronted with the possibility of poor weather, delays, and crowded highways, reaching destinations is not always smooth. Tips abound advising vacationers of ways to avoid disasters and drama while trying to reach their destinations. [1] Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen 26.8 million passengers and airline workers over this long weekend, a 4% increase over last year. [2]

In sum, travel, be it by air, car, or any other means, brings with it a certain amount of unpredictability and as a result, stress, which may cause one to question the purpose of the trip.

Just as travel can be difficult today, the same was true for the Israelites as they returned to Jerusalem, and the surrounding areas, from their captivity in Babylon. The long journey was dangerous, as was always the case with people walking so many miles. Of course, the journey was not the only difficulty.

For example, relocation can be uncomfortable. These Israelites had lived in Babylon for years, many for their entire lives. Moving to a different location, even though it meant returning to the land God had given to them, didn’t seem as appealing to some as staying on where they were already established. Not all had followed the instructions God had commanded through the prophets, and some decided to remain.

For those eager to make the trek and return to Jerusalem, something needed to be done before they began the journey. Ezra called for fasting and prayer. He called for followers to humble themselves and seek God’s guidance and protection for themselves, their families, and their possessions. Ezra’s call to prayer points out the important fact that God cares about families and about details.

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