Finishing 2 Esdras

Dear Friends,
Today I finished reading the Apocryphal book of 2 Esdras (see yesterday's post). Not an easy read, but nevertheless an interesting book. All I have left is 4 Maccabees (18 chapters long), and then I will be finished with my second read-through of the Apocrypha.

To mark this occasion, I'd like to share a couple verses from the final chapter of 2 Esdras. Perhaps they may be appropriate for the times in which we live.

"So listen to me, my chosen people. The days of misery will soon be here, but I will rescue you. Don't be afraid and don't give up--I am your God, and I will protect you."
2 Esdras 16:74-75 (CEV)

Some Words from Ezra

I am reading through the Apocrypha for the second time. I have long had a fascination for these "hidden" books of the bible. Currently I am reading 2 Esdras. 2 Esdras is one of the more obscure books of the Apocrypha, and is not recognized as canonical Scripture by any major Christian denomination.

2 Esdras is an apocalypse, and reads very much like the canonical books of Daniel and Revelation. I have found many similar images among these three books. 2 Esdras depicts Old Testament prophet Ezra as the recipient of visions from God about the future. Here's an interesting, and perhaps fun, passage that I came across recently:

"I opened my mouth, and I was handed a cup full of a fiery-colored liquid, which I took and drank. When I had drunk it, my mind overflowed with understanding, and wisdom increased within me as my memory became perfect. I began to speak and went on talking without stopping."
2 Esdras 14:29-41 (GNT)