Two characters, two types of Christ, two books, one story… In Ezra’s character, we see a vivid type of Christ: Ezra had done nothing wrong, but interceded for the sake of his brothers’ and sisters’ chance at new life. Paul wrote that Christ intercedes for us in our transgression (Romans 8:34), and there is none holier to act on our behalf. In Ezra’s story, we see God’s plan of…

There is work to be done, and you are part of it. You belong here. Your skills, talents, interests, perspectives, personality, and even your failures matter here. The family of God—which is made up completely of adopted spiritual orphans—waiting for you to join us: no perfection required! The Kingdom of God has been built and will continue to be built using rag-tag, eccentric oddballs just like yourself…

By using the nation’s brightest moments as models of ideal servitude to God and the nation’s lowest moments as warnings to help keep folks in line, the generations of God’s people following the writing of these books would have a picture to compare to as they move forward in their faith, awaiting the king promised to one day come through the line of David…

As mentioned earlier in this series and book, I (Allie Anderson) struggled for years with such words as “inspired” or “enthusiastic.” I found them to be emotional terms by which people would subscribe to the flavor-of-the-month—whatever it may be. But, as the emotion wore off, so did the momentum…