Todays passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezra%204-6,%20psalm%20137&version=NIV
As the Israelites begin the rebuilding of the temple, they faced opposition more than once. First the enemies offered their help. Very wisely, Zerubbabel and the elders refused their offer to help, realizing that they are up to no good. In verse four, the true colors of the enemies shine through – they “discouraged the people of Judah, and frightened them from building, and hired counselors against them to frustrate their counsel all the days of Cyrus…” (Ezra 4:4-5). The people of the land continued their discouragement, writing letters to the king of Persia, and warning him that if the temple is rebuilt, “they will not pay tribute, custom or toll and it will damage the revenue of the kings” (Ezra 4:13). Temple ceased by force of arms in 4:23
Although the work on the house of God ceased temporarily, God’s promise to rebuild would prevail. Ezra 5:1 says that temple work resumed when Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to the Jews in the name of God. Those words are revealed in the book of Haggaii,“Take courage Zerubbable, declares the Lord, take courage Joshua son of Johozadak, the high priest and all you people of the land take courage, declares the Lord, and work; for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts”. (Haggai 2:4) In obedience, they begin rebuilding the house of God and once again. Ultimately the temple was rebuilt in spite of this heavy opposition and King Darius even allocated funds to pay for it! God turned that situation around and provided for his people to carry on and complete his work.
One thing is guaranteed when you are walking in obedience to the Lord – opposition. John 16:33 assures us that “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Opposition can kill your progress, destroy your work and steal your enthusiasm. Satan wanted nothing more than to discourage God’s people from rebuilding a house of God. This passage reminds us that we must have faith that if God gives us a task, he will be with us and he will carry us through it. He will provide the means, the encouragement and the ability to build his church or complete any task that he puts in front of us. He will take a situation of opposition and turn it around for his good.
When we were missioning in Honduras last summer, we were scheduled to visit and present our program to 4 schools one day. The day before, the teachers went on strike. School would be closed. We were so disappointed when we were told that all of our programs were cancelled. But our leaders went right to work. God opened the doors and we were able to visit to 2 private school visits and mission and we reached over 600 children and adults that day. God’s work was carried out in spite of opposition.
Are you experiencing opposition in your kingdom work? Pray that God will send words of encouragement to you and open your heart to his voice. Meditate over his words in Haggai 2:4 – “…take courage…and work; for I am with you!”
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
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