JEFFJAMES

Q1. (Ezra 1:5-6) Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon? Why do only some answer Jesus' call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? What are the characteristics of true disciples? Ezra says as God moved those to answer the call. so some God already knew they would not answer the call maybe they were to old , had large family's or to comfortable . but it would take a committed group to walk all the way back to Jerusalem with belongings and family. and knowing that this was a chance to be part of prophesy the ending of the 70 years and the building of the temple detailed in Daniels 70 weeks that triggers the coming prince Deuteronomy 30 promises a return of those that are committed to want to return to the covenant and then God will take them back to the land he promised and then God will circumcises their hearts . this is the promise of the messianic kingdom. that is yet to be fullfilled even today the Jews that are in the land have compromised . and so all the earth moans for the day of the Lords return.