The document provides a summary of lessons from the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and Job in the Old Testament. It discusses how after the Israelites were freed from Babylon, righteous leaders like Ezra and Zerubbabel helped rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, which brought the people joy. It also talks about how Nehemiah was able to accomplish God's work despite opposition, and how Esther was placed in a position to save her people. The document ends by explaining how the book of Job addresses why good things happen to good people and how having trust in God can help remain faithful during trials.

1. “I Am Doing a Great Work”
July 18–24
Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8

2. Background for today’s lessons …
Video: Why Did the Lord Allow Jerusalem to Be Destroyed?
722 BC Israel and Judah fall into captivity and many carried away by
Assyrians
 580-600 BC Judah is destroyed by Babylonians (as foretold by Lehi,
others)
539 BC Persian empire captures Babylonians (including Judah)

3. Temples can bring us joy
Ezra 3:8–13; 6:16–22
 Jerusalem destroyed by the Babylonians (587 BC)
 Book of Ezra tells the story of Israelites after destruction and captivity to Babylonians
 70 yrs after, King Cyrus (Persian) overthrows Babylonians and open the door for Israelites to return to
Jerusalem – Freedom of Religion
 Led by leaders like Ezra and Zerubbabel they began to rebuild; There were enough righteous people that
the Lord used to rebuild Israel.
 Cleared the rubbish; rebuilt altar and foundation of the temple
 Ezra 3:8–13 and 6:16–22; Jews celebrate the rebuilding and dedication of the temple, People shouted for joy!
 Ezra also reinstitutes the celebration of the Passover service
 Consider similar trials of restored Church in the early years (Kirtland Temple, Nauvoo Temple, and Salt Lake
City Temple)
 Video: “Practice, Celebration, Dedication: Temple Blessings in El Salvador”; “The Laie Hawaii Temple Youth
Cultural Celebration”

4. Experience the joy of the temple.
President Russell M. Nelson taught:
“We can be inspired all day long about temple and family history
experiences others have had. But we must do something to
actually experience the joy ourselves. I would like to extend a
challenge to each one of us so that the wonderful feeling of this
work can continue and even increase. I invite you to prayerfully
consider what kind of sacrifice—preferably a sacrifice of time—you
can make in order to do more temple and family history work this
year.”

5. We can help the work of God advance despite
opposition
Ezra 4–5; Nehemiah 2; 4; 6
 The books of Ezra and Nehemiah describe people accomplishing important work despite opposition from
their enemies. What do we learn from Nehemiah and his fellow workers in Nehemiah 2:18–20; 4:6–9;
and 6:1–3? What does it mean to have “a mind to work” in the service of the Savior? (Nehemiah 4:6).
 Zerubbabel’s efforts to rebuild the temple is symbolic for us:
 can be compared to our failures – The Lord blesses us for every effort we make to rebuild our life.

6. The Lord places us in situations where we can bless others.
Esther
 How did the Lord make it possible for Esther to save the Jews?
 (see Esther 2:21–23; 3:10–14; 4:14–16). What can we do to recognize the hand of God in our lives? The
statement by Elder Neil L. Andersen in “Additional Resources” contains an answer to this question.
 Was Esther reserved for a specific time and purpose: Esther 4:10–17.
 How might Mordecai’s words to Esther have helped her make the decision to defend her people?
 Just as God placed Esther in a position where she could save the Jews, what are some situations
He places us in so we can bless others?
 In the end, the lessons of Esther are Faith and Courage to CTR!
 Action vs procrastination in difficult times (i.e. Sons of Mosiah)

7. “Yet Will I Trust in Him”
Job
The book of Job addresses the question:
Why do good things happen to good people?

8. Our trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can help us
remain faithful in all circumstances.
The first two chapters of Job, describe Satan questioning the reasons
behind Job’s faithfulness. What is the application to each of us?
Consider:
Job 1:20–22; 2:9–10
12:9–10, 16; 13:15–16; 19:23–27
Doctrine and Covenants 122
Video: Job’s Secret for Finding Hope in the Midst of Trials