Day 41: Return and Rebuild

Dr. John W. Mulinde
Aug 9
2 min read

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 36; Ezra 1–9

Date: Sunday, 10th August 2025

The Story Behind the Story

After centuries of warnings, Judah finally falls into captivity, and the temple is destroyed. But God’s story doesn’t end with judgment. In Ezra, we witness a miraculous turnaround: God stirs the heart of Cyrus, a Persian king, to issue a decree for the temple's restoration in Jerusalem. The people return—not all at once, but in waves—with a burning desire to rebuild what had been lost.

This is the power of divine restoration. What was ruined by sin is revived by grace. This reading shows the first steps of a spiritual reformation after exile.

Reading Instructions

Read through 2 Chronicles 36 and Ezra 1–9 slowly. Focus on:

God's sovereignty over kings and empires (even pagan ones).
The importance of consecration and purity for those rebuilding.
The faith of those who returned, despite opposition and personal cost.

Guided Devotional

1. Who Is God?

The God of Restoration – He doesn’t abandon His people forever. Even after judgment, He makes a way to rebuild.
The God Who Stirs Hearts – Cyrus was not a believer, yet God stirred his heart to fulfill prophecy and rebuild His house.
The God Who Sees Intentions – Those who returned were not the wealthiest or strongest, but the willing and obedient.

2. What Are the Ways of God?

He Raises Leaders in Every Era – From Zerubbabel to Ezra, God appoints and equips leaders to guide His people in times of rebuilding.
He Calls for Holiness in His House – Ezra’s grief over intermarriage wasn’t about ethnicity—it was about spiritual compromise. God desires purity in those who represent Him.
He Works Through Remnants – Not all returned, but the faithful few were enough to restart a national revival.

3. What Is His Character?

Faithful to His Word – Jeremiah prophesied 70 years of exile, and God kept His promise exactly.
Merciful – Despite Israel’s repeated rebellion, He opened a door for return and gave favor with kings.
Patient – He let the land rest during the exile, showing that even His judgment is full of divine purpose.

Golden Nugget

God always has a remnant—and a plan. Even in your lowest moment, He’s preparing your return. Restoration is not just possible—it’s promised to the repentant and obedient.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being the God of my return. Even when I have wandered, Your mercy makes a way back. Stir my heart like You stirred Cyrus. Let me be part of Your rebuilding—of lives, families, churches, and nations. Keep me pure and humble in the process. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation Challenge

Reflect: Is there an area in your life that needs rebuilding—prayer life, ministry, family, faith?
Take action: Choose one specific “brick” to lay today (a prayer, a conversation, a fast, or an act of obedience).
Invite God into the process. You don’t need to return in your own strength. He stirs hearts and provides resources for those willing to rebuild His house.

Next Reading:

Day 42 – Ezra 10; Nehemiah 1–10

Continue the story of reformation as Ezra confronts compromise and Nehemiah rises to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls with courage and conviction.