Today’s Reading: Zechariah 7-8

As God’s people were returning from exile to a city and land that had been destroyed, they were discouraged with the work that lay ahead of them – the task God was calling them to. God reminded them, as He sometimes reminds us, that their current condition was a direct result of their own sinful decisions. There are times when we choose to do our own thing and make a mess of what God could have made a masterpiece.

“Your ancestors refused to listen to this message. They stubbornly turned away and put their fingers in their ears to keep from hearing. They made their hearts as hard as stone, so they could not hear the instructions or the messages that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies had sent them by his Spirit…Since they refused to listen when I called to them, I would not listen when they called to me, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. As with a whirlwind, I scattered them among the distant nations, where they lived as strangers. Their land became so desolate that no one even traveled through it. THEY turned their pleasant land into a desert.” – Zechariah 7:11-14

What was the message they had refused to listen to? What did they refuse to do that God was telling them to do? Look at the two verses right before this passage:

Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against one another. – Zechariah 7:9-10

SEEK TRUTH AND MAKE PEACE

God wanted them to put the needs of others above their own desires and they refused. God wanted them to honor the truth and love God by loving others and they chose self-preservation instead only to find out that, by trying to build a life for themselves, they had instead destroyed their chance of truly experiencing life. They had turned their beautiful promised land into a desert. They made a mess out of what could have been a masterpiece.

God went from being an angry God determined to punish to a God of grace determined to bless His people once again. But his instructions remained the same as before.

“But this is what you must do: Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace. Don’t scheme against each other. Stop your love of telling lies that you swear are the truth. I hate all these things, says the Lord…The traditional fasts and times of mourning you have kept in early summer, midsummer, autumn, and winter are now ended. They will become festivals of joy and celebration for the people of Judah. So love truth and peace.” – Zechariah 8:16-19

LOVE TRUTH AND LIVE PEACE

God was ready to dwell among His people – to bless them with His presence – but He demanded they live in peace with one another and treat each other justly. Sometimes this is where we struggle in families or in churches. We pray for God to bless our efforts, to bless our growth, but we stubbornly hold onto grudges. We sit back and wait for someone else to come begging for forgiveness instead of seeking restoration with each other. Now that’s what I would call a mess – a missed opportunity to allow the hand of God to create a masterpiece. Truth and peace – God would love to turn our mourning into joy and celebration but we must first love truth and live peace.

REVEAL TRUTH AND RESTORE PEACE

When God lives among us, He creates a sense of community. You may say this is impossible for the group of people you are thinking of right now, but God says nothing is impossible for Him! Invite Him to dwell among you and He can REVEAL TRUTH and RESTORE PEACE into any situation. Look at what He did for the Israelites when they returned to their war-torn country.

“And now the Lord says: I am returning to Mount Zion, and I will live in Jerusalem…Once again old men and women will walk Jerusalem’s streets with their canes and will sit together in the city squares. And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play…All this may seem impossible to you now, a small remnant of God’s people. But is it impossible for me? Says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” – Zech. 8:3-6

When we have fixed our relationships with each other and God’s presence is dwelling among His people, then we can be about the task of doing what God has told us to do! We must first obey God’s command to love Him by loving others and then we will be ready to follow His calling in our lives. Then, when PEACE IS RESTORED, He strengthens us with His presence and tells us:

“Be strong and finish the task!” and “So don’t be afraid. Be strong, and get on with rebuilding the Temple!” – Zechariah 8:9,13

And this is my favorite part! When we are living in truth and peace, and God’s presence is living among us, it will become evident to all those around us. They will see the difference God’s presence is making in our lives and they will want to become a part of it. Instead of seeing a mess, they will see God’s masterpiece. As in Zechariah 8:23, people will see what we have and say, “Please let us walk with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”

Oh, may God’s presence be evident in our lives today! May others see God living in us and among us in such a powerful way that they want what we have – God’s presence in our lives!

Today’s Reading: Zechariah 3-6, Psalm 87 & 99

God chose two men to play an important role in the rebuilding of the Temple and the rebuilding of the nation. He placed Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel as governor of Judah (you’ll recognize him as a part of the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1) and Jeshua son of Jehozadak as high priest (Haggai 2:2).

The passage of Scripture in Zechariah chapter 3 describes beautifully how Jeshua was cleansed from his sins and called by God. Before you read the passage, I ask you to prepare your heart. Picture that this passage is about you. Satan is pointing out all the times you have sinned and revealing all your imperfections but the Lord is rejecting Satan’s accusations – saving you from the pit of hell and clothing you with redemption. Claim this Scripture today and rebuke Satan for the ways in which he tries to discourage you and tell you that you are not worthy or capable of what God has told you to do. Put yourself in place of Jeshua the high priest, coming out of exile and receiving his call from God.

Then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua. And the Lord said to Satan, “I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.”

Jeshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel. So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Jeshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.”

Then I said, “They should also place a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean priestly turban on his head and dressed him in new clothes while the angel of the Lord stood by.

Then the angel of the Lord spoke very solemnly to Jeshua and said, “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: If you follow my ways and carefully serve me, then you will be given authority over my Temple and its courtyards. I will let you walk among these others standing here. – Zechariah 3:1-7

My love for you is passionate and strong. So take off the filthy clothes of your past. I have taken away your sins and I am giving you fine new clothes – priestly garments – garments that come with a calling. SO follow my ways and carefully serve me, for I am giving you a job to do.

When the accuser tells you that you cannot do what God has called you to do or that you cannot live the holy life that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies expects, remind him of the Lord’s words to Zerubbabel:

It is not by force nor by strength, but BY MY SPIRIT, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain for him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone at the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!” – Zechariah 4:6-7

God had commissioned Zerubbabel to rebuild the Temple – not an easy task. God had commissioned Jeshua to rebuild the Temple worship – also not an easy task. But He was not asking them to do it of their own strength. In that regard, the Accuser is right. We are not capable of doing what God is asking us to do, at least not of our own strength. But God equips us, He fills us, He works through us to accomplish His will. Where there seem to be mountains before us, God is capable of leveling the path ahead. And WHEN GOD IS IN IT, GOD WILL BLESS IT!

“…But now the Lord says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I AM WITH YOU, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do NOT be afraid.” – Haggai 2:4-5

Be strong! I have cleansed you and clothed you in new garments. I am the God of what is ahead. I am in the middle of what I am asking you to do and I will bless it. I am the God of your yesterdays and you have been forgiven, so flee from your captivity and stop wearing those filthy clothes. Do not be afraid. I am with you.

Jesus, the name that charms our fears / That bids our sorrows cease / ‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears / ‘Tis life and health and peace / He breaks the power of canceled sin / He sets the prisoners free / His blood can make the foulest clean / His blood availed for me [O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing, Charles Wesley]

Today’s Reading: Psalm 51

Return, rebuild, renew, REPENT.

Return to me. Come to me. Pursue my ways for I have redeemed you.
Rebuild my house. Create space in your life to worship me. Be satisfied with me.
Renew your passion. Be strong in the Lord. Trust me. I will provide.
Repent. Turn from your sin. Return to me.

Then Haggai asked, “If someone becomes ceremonially unclean by touching a dead person and then touches any of these foods, will the food be defiled?”
And the priests answered, “Yes.”
Then Haggai responded, “That is how it is with this people and this nation, says the Lord. Everything they do and everything they offer is defiled by their sin.” – Haggai 2:13-14

In order for God to fully RENEW the relationship with His people, He needed them to REPENT. He reminded them of how little their crops produced before they rebuilt the Temple and asked them to look and see how He was now blessing them after the Temple had been restored. “Think carefully,” the Lord said. God desired to bless them but was requiring them to turn from their sin – to repent.

What does God want to do in our lives? In what ways does the Keeper of the silver and the gold – the Keeper of all blessings – desire to bless us? Return to me and I will return to you.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. – Psalm 51:1-2

RETURN, REBUILD, RENEW and REPENT.
RETURN – “Come away!” “Flee from your captivity!” Walk away from your sin and return to me.
REBUILD – Do the necessary work to RESTORE our relationship to where it once was.
RENEW – Make a new covenant with me so that our relationship can be renewed.
REPENT – Turn from your sin so that I can bless you the way I desire to bless you.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me. – Psalm 51:7-10

Return to me and I will return to you.

Today’s Reading: Haggai 2, Psalm 48

Return, rebuild, RENEW, repent.

Return to me. Come to me. Pursue my ways for I have redeemed you.
Rebuild my house. Create space in your life to worship me. Be satisfied with me.
Renew your passion. Be strong in the Lord. Trust me. I will provide.

You are getting what you deserve but here’s how to deserve what you wish you were getting – Return to me and I will return to you. This is essentially what God was saying. God desired to lavish wonderful gifts on His children but He needed to get their attention because His intent was not only that they return to their land, His intent was that they return to Him. He wanted them to RETURN and REBUILD so that He could RENEW His relationship with them.

“Does anyone remember this house—this Temple—in its former splendor? How, in comparison, does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all! But now the Lord says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.” – Haggai 2:3-5

I am here. My Spirit remains among you, so do not be afraid but pursue the calling I have placed on your life. Do not hesitate but follow me with strength and with zeal. Let your love for me ignite a passion within you to serve me.

The people began to fear the Lord and a new enthusiasm for building the Temple was ignited in their hearts. They finished the Temple but realized that the new Temple was nowhere close to the splendor of the previous Temple. God reminded them that He is the keeper of the silver and the gold (2:8). He promised them that a day would come when He would restore glory to His Temple beyond its past glory, just like He was restoring their hearts and igniting a passion within them.

Passion for your house has consumed me… – Psalm 69:9a

O God, we meditate on your unfailing love
as we worship in your Temple.
As your name deserves, O God,
you will be praised to the ends of the earth.
Your strong right hand is filled with victory.
Let the people on Mount Zion rejoice.
Let all the towns of Judah be glad
because of your justice.
Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem.
Walk around and count the many towers.
Take note of the fortified walls,
and tour all the citadels,
that you may describe them
to future generations.
For that is what God is like.
He is our God forever and ever,
and he will guide us until we die. – Psalm 48:9-14

Praise God! I am so thankful that our God desires a relationship with us. I am so grateful for His grace that renews a right spirit within us. We are so blessed to experience His Spirit living with us and producing a passion for the things of God. God is so good and we are blessed to be loved by Him.

Today’s Reading: Haggai 1, Psalm 99

Return, REBUILD, renew, repent.

Return to me. Come to me. Pursue my ways for I have redeemed you.
Rebuild my house. Create space in your life to worship me. Be satisfied with me.

The people had returned to Judah and started to rebuild the temple, but their enthusiasm soon turned to discouragement and then to apathy. They turned their focus to their own homes and started making a living for themselves without restoring worship back into the community. Here is God’s response:

“Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. Your drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes.”

“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Army says: Look at what’s happening to you! Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord. You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses. It’s because of you that the heavens withhold the dew and the earth produces no crops. I have called for a drought on your fields and hills – a drought to starve you and your livestock and to ruin everything you have worked so hard to get.” – Haggai 1:4-11

Some were saying it was the wrong time to start rebuilding the Temple. The foundation had been laid but no growth was taking place. God’s people had settled for an altar on a foundation when God was calling them to so much more.

Complacency had settled in and the people had made themselves comfortable. They had everything they needed – nice homes, food, drink, clothes, income – but they were not satisfied because the only thing that truly satisfies in Jesus. We can have lots of nice things and our basic needs can be taken care of, but it’s nothing if we are living in disobedience to what God has asked us to do.

So the Lord sparked the enthusiasm of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the enthusiasm of Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the enthusiasm of the whole remnant of God’s people. They began to work on the house of their God, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. – Haggai 1:14

Lord, we pray that you will forgive us for our complacency and wake us up from our apathy. May we hear your voice today calling us to more — calling us to obedience. Lord, break down our resistance and spark a new enthusiasm in us. Help us to see the areas of our life that need repaired; help us to see the areas of ministry that need rebuilt. Let us never become so comfortable that we become satisfied with the bare minimums instead of growing in our relationship with you. Wake up our churches that choose to slumber and give them a renewed passion for building your kingdom. Dust off our bibles and give us a new song.

Praise him, O heaven and earth,
the seas and all that move in them.
For God will save Jerusalem
and rebuild the towns of Judah.
His people will live there
and settle in their own land.
The descendants of those who obey him will inherit the land,
and those who love him will live there in safety. – Psalm 69:34-36

Today’s Reading: Zechariah 1-2

RETURN, rebuild, renew, repent.

Return to me. Come to me. Pursue my ways for I have redeemed you.

The Lord says, “Come away! Flee from Babylon in the land of the north, for I have scattered you to the four winds. Come away, people of Zion, you who are exiled in Babylon!” – Zechariah 2:6-7

Yet even now, be free from your captivity! Leave Babylon and the Babylonians.
Sing out this message! Shout it to the ends of the earth!
The Lord has redeemed his servants, the people of Israel. – Isaiah 48:20

Just as God had promised, the exile for the Hebrews ended after seventy years. Cyrus the Great, King of Persia, conquered Babylon and allowed all of the nations exiled to Babylon to return to their homelands. He did this in order to form alliances with these nations, expecting loyalty in future diplomatic matters. The Jews returned to Judah and Jerusalem. The stories of their return are recorded by the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, Ezra, Nehemiah and Malachi. God was calling His people to return – return to the Promised Land and return to Him.

“I, the Lord, was very angry with your ancestors. Therefore, say to the people, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me and I will return to you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.’ Don’t be like your ancestors who would not listen or pay attention when the earlier prophets said to them, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Turn from your evil ways, and stop all your evil practices.’

Where are your ancestors now? They and the prophets are long dead. But everything I said through my servants the prophets happened to your ancestors, just as I said. As a result, they repented and said, ‘We have received what we deserved from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. He has done what he said he would do.’” – Zechariah 1:2-6

I recently heard someone say, “We may waiver in our faith, but God never waivers in His faithfulness.” That is so true. God is consistent and we can trust that He will do what He says He will do. The same God who was calling to the fickle Israelites to return to Him is offering us grace when we stray away. He opens the way for us to RETURN to Him so that we can once again be drawn into His presence.

Return to me. Come to me. Pursue my ways for I have redeemed you.

The Lord says, “Shout and rejoice, O beautiful Jerusalem, for I am coming to live among you. Many nations will join themselves to the Lord on that day, and they, too, will be my people. I will live among you, and you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies sent me to you. The land of Judah will be the Lord’s special possession in the holy land, and he will once again choose Jerusalem to be his own city. Be silent before the Lord, all humanity, for he is springing into action from his holy dwelling.” – Zechariah 2:10-13

Are you praying for a prodigal in your life to RETURN to the Lord? Are you hoping they will turn from the evil ways of this world and receive all God has planned for them? I join you today in praying for those who are lost. May they hear the call of Jesus to come to Him. May they understand the extent Christ went to for them to be redeemed and set free.

Return to me. Come to me. Pursue my ways for I have redeemed you.

Today’s Reading: Daniel 11-12

In the third year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia, Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar) had another vision. He understood that the vision concerned events certain to happen in the future—times of war and great hardship. When this vision came to me, I, Daniel, had been in mourning for three whole weeks. – Daniel 10:1-2

God revealed to Daniel what was happening in the spiritual realms that is unseen in the earthly realm. There was a spiritual battle taking place on behalf of God’s people and God had commissioned His archangels to fight the battles. Daniel’s visions spoke of what would happen at the end of time. It is difficult for us to understand and comprehend the descriptive visions, just as it was difficult for Daniel. Theologians disagree on the meaning of these last three chapters of Daniel. But what I can take from this passage, what I can hear God saying is – I will fight the battle! I will be victorious! (Daniel 10:13-14, 20-21).

Daniel’s vision spoke of a long battle between the king of the north and the king of the south – how each would plot against each other and attempt to deceive each other. The anger of the king of the north will be poured out against the people of the holy covenant. He will reward those who forsake the covenant, flattering and winning them over.

But the people who KNOW their God will be strong and will resist him. – Daniel 11:32

THOSE WHO KNOW THEIR GOD WILL BE STRONG AND ABLE TO RESIST THEIR OPPRESSOR!

Praise God! The God who draws us into a personal relationship with Him strengthens us through that relationship. It is our connection, our intimacy with God that gives us the strength to resist evil. And the experience of facing a battle with evil changes us. It refines us, cleanses us and makes us pure.

And some of the wise will fall victim to persecution. In this way, they will be refined and cleansed and made pure until the time of the end, for the appointed time is still to come. – Daniel 11:35

Praise God! He does not leave us alone during the difficult times. He does not ask us to do something by ourselves, of our own strength. He is with us. His angels are defending us. He is strengthening us for that to which he has called us. Then he allows the difficult times to refine us and make us clean and pure before Him.

The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. – Psalm 29:11

God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. – Psalm 68:35

I am so thankful this morning that our God gives us strength. I have prayed a lot this last week for strength and peace, and God has been faithful. This week would have been a lot more difficult if I had not felt the connection with God. I pray that God will use today’s verses to encourage you whether you are going through persecution, temptation, or difficulties.

At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. – Daniel 12:1-3

Today’s Reading: Daniel 10, Psalm 28

What God was asking of Daniel was huge! His visions left him feeling weak, as if all his strength had left him. Can you relate? The journey God has you on or the life situations you are facing have left you drained of all energy and strength. Are you feeling alone? May these words to Daniel wash over you and give you strength. May you hear the voice of God and picture the heavenly realms today. May you know with confidence that you are loved by God and that you are most definitely not alone. May you feel the hand of God touch you and lift you up.

My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. Then I heard the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground. Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling.

Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.” – Daniel 10:8b-12

Notice the progression of Daniel’s position. He faints and lays with his face to the ground. The hand of God touches him and lifts him up, but only to his hands and knees. Then, with a voice that roared like a vast multitude of people, the man of God told Daniel to stand up. Then Daniel, still trembling, stood up.

DO YOU EVER FIND IT HARD TO PRAY?

Have you ever been so drained from your life experiences, from the struggles and troubles surrounding you, that it was difficult for you to pray? You fall on your face before God and perhaps weep but there are no words.

There are times when we need the strength of God simply to get on our knees and be able to come before him and speak – to pray what we are feeling and present our requests to Him. Praise God, He is just the kind of God to give us the strength we need to pray. He also loves us enough to tell us when to stand, to confirm to us that He has heard our prayers.

While he was speaking to me, I looked down to the ground, unable to say a word. Then the one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing in front of me, “I am filled with anguish because of the vision I have seen, my lord, and I am very weak. How can someone like me, your servant, talk to you, my lord? My strength is gone, and I can hardly breathe.” – Daniel 10:15-17

DO YOU EVER FIND IT HARD TO BREATHE?

It’s too much! It’s more than I can handle! I can’t breathe! Have you ever spoken these words or prayed something similar? There are times when what God is asking us to do or asking us to experience seems impossible, seems too big for us. At times the situation ahead is difficult, painful, overwhelming or just seems impossible. Listen to God’s words to Daniel:

“Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”
As he spoke to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.” – Daniel 10:19

JUST A WORD FROM GOD AND WE SUDDENLY FEEL STRONGER!

When God speaks, there is a new hope born in us that strengthens us for what is ahead. Praise God, He gives us the strength we need. Lord, give us a word from you today. Hear our requests and strengthen us.

The Lord gives his people strength. – Psalm 28:8a

Today’s Reading: Ezra 3:7 – 6:14, Psalm 147

With praise and thanks, they sang this song to the Lord: “He is good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever!” Then all the people gave a great shout, praising the Lord because the foundation of the Lord’s Temple had been laid. – Ezra 3:11

When the foundation of the Temple was completed in their second year back in Jerusalem, the people stopped to celebrate. Many wept aloud. Others were shouting for joy. The sounds of the shouts and weeping could be heard far into the distance.

Praise the Lord!
How good to sing praises to our God!
How delightful and how fitting!
The Lord is rebuilding Jerusalem
and bringing the exiles back to Israel.
He heals the brokenhearted
and bandages their wounds.
He counts the stars and calls them all by name.
How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension! – Psalm 147:1-5

As often happens when things are going well, opposition began to arise among those from other nations who were living in Jerusalem. They wrote a letter back to the King Artaxerxes of Persia convincing him to stop the reconstruction of the Temple. Then, with a show of strength, they forced the Jews to stop building. The construction remained at a standstill until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia (Ezra 4:23-24).

This was around the same time that the prophets Haggai and Zechariah were encouraging God’s people to finish what they had started as God had commanded. The building started back up again, as did the opposition. God’s people had confidence that God was watching over them (5:5) and the local residents once again tattled back to the King, reporting that the work was going forward with great energy and success (5:8).

King Darius, however, found a scroll with the decree from King Cyrus that the Temple should be rebuilt on the site where the Jews used to offer their sacrifices, using the original foundation (6:3). His reply back to the opposition was to “stay away…do not disturb…let it be rebuilt…do not hinder…Moreover, I hereby decree that you are to help these elders of the Jews as they rebuild this Temple of God. You must pay the full construction costs, without delay, from my taxes collected in the province west of the Euphrates River so that the work will not be interrupted” (Ezra 6:6-8).

King Darius also donated young bulls, rams, and male lambs to be used for burnt offerings presented to the God of heaven, as well as wheat, salt, wine and olive oil. His desire was that the Israelites would present acceptable sacrifices to God and pray for King Darius and his sons.

Do you ever just get tickled at these kinds of stories? We still hear them today! What others do in hopes of harming or discouraging us, God makes into opportunities to bless us! What comes in the form of OPPOSITION becomes OPPORTUNITY. Today’s morning coffee was rich with encouragement for me.

– When we are unified with one purpose given by God, we have the strength to move forward even in the midst of fear and opposition.

– When God works through us to accomplish His will, it is time to celebrate and give Him praise!

– When faced with opposition, trust in God to make something wonderful come out of the struggles.

When opposition grows against us, let’s be encouraged to keep pressing forward. We need to continue to do what God has called us to do, even when commanded to do something different. We need to trust that something beautiful will come out of the struggle.

May this message in Ezra give us new perspective. Let’s celebrate ALL that is going on in our lives and give Him praise, trusting that OPPOSITION will become OPPORTUNITY for God to do something wonderful in our hearts and in our lives. Let’s move forward in strength, praising God for all He has done and will continue to do in our lives.

Today’s Reading: Ezra 1-3:6, Psalm 126

The Persian Empire grew in power, overthrowing the Babylonians and changing the climate in which the exiled Jews were living. This new leader, King Cyrus, had a policy of setting captives free. And, of course, the timing of this change happened at exactly the time God promised it would. His hand was not only evident, it was obvious.

This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Any of you who are the Lord’s people may go there for this task. And may the Lord your God be with you!” – 2 Chron. 36:23

God stirred the heart of King Cyrus of Persia to let God’s people return to Jerusalem for the specific purpose of rebuilding the Temple. Then God stirred the hearts of the priests, Levites and all the leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of the Lord. This stirring of hearts created a culture of generosity. Cyrus generously returned 5400 articles of silver and gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Temple. Those who had lived among the Israelites and who had been their neighbors for so many years also gave generously of silver and gold, supplies for the journey, and livestock. They voluntarily lavished God’s people with valuable gifts to take with them.

In response to this generosity, the leaders of each family unit among the people of God returning to Jerusalem also gave voluntary offerings, each leader giving as much as they could. God was generous, stirring others’ hearts toward generosity, and the response was the desire of God’s people to also be generous (Ezra 2:68-69).

When God’s people arrived in Jerusalem, they assembled with a unified purpose – to rebuild God’s Temple. During the seventy years that the Israelites had been gone, other peoples had settled into the city, making it their home. Even though the people were afraid of the local residents, they rebuilt the altar at its old site. Then they began to sacrifice burnt offerings on the altar to the Lord each morning and evening (Ezra 3:3).

Imagine the excitement after all these years to be back home again, offering daily sacrifices to God – dedicating each day to God. The first Festival they celebrated was the Festival of Shelters, reminding the people of God’s guidance and care for His people as they spent 40 years living in tents in the desert as they traveled from exile in Egypt to their new home in the Promised Land. Wow! How significant this must have been to the people as they had just completed their own journey living in tents, traveling from exile in Babylon back home to Jerusalem. God’s timing is always significant!

When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,
it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest. – Psalm 126

What a great reminder as we celebrate our freedom today! Father God, help us to always trust your timing and recognize your hand at work in our lives. Lord, we celebrate all of the amazing things you have done and are doing in our lives. We trust you for what is to come, even when it seems far away. We pray that you will create a stirring in our lives, reminding us that you are on the move. May others see our lives and say, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”