Read Ezra 3 – 5
Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter (Ezra 5:17).
Several years had passed since the Lord had moved the heart of Cyrus to make a proclamation to ensure the Temple of the Lord would be rebuilt. As happens with many things, time had eroded the memory of Cyrus' directive. It is not hard to believe this occurred as there were probably those who doubted it was ever given. In addition, there were also enemies of Israel who wished it never had. However, God will always overcome every opposition. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).
The Temple work had continued but remained unfinished. Therefore, the elders made a plea unto the new king, Darius. They desired him to complete the work begun by Cyrus. To reinforce their plea, they asked Darius to have a search conducted for the original decree.
Many projects in our world go the same way as this one. Especially in the business world, a project will be started. Things will go fine at first with a team of employees working diligently to make progress towards completion. As time goes by, the manager of the division is replaced. The new manager begins to prioritize their duties. They find other projects of greater value. Maybe they cut funding to the first project, or it could be personnel that is pulled. Before long, the project is all but forgotten.
Our work for the Lord will often go this way. We begin with zeal for what we are doing. Time passes and other things come up, and we are soon distracted. We begin to abandon God's work for desires of the world. We don't even realize that this is the devil overtaking us. We can't work for spiritual and carnal rewards at the same time. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Matt. 6:24).
It is crucial not to allow ourselves to get distracted from the work of the Lord. The tasks given to us by God are important for the building of His kingdom. God finishes what He starts. Let us follow His example and see the work given to us to its finish.
Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6).
Thought for Today:
As we seek to do the work of God, opposition will arise as Jesus foretold.
Word Studies:
3:3 his bases, its original foundation; 3:8 set forward, oversee; 3:11 by course, by the assigned divisions of priests; 4:4 weakened the hands of, discouraged and frightened; 5:10 certify, inform.
Christ Revealed:
Through the great (huge) stones used in building the Temple of God (Ezra 5:8). Jesus Christ is the Stone which the builders refused (rejected), and He has become the Head Stone of the Corner (Cornerstone) of our faith (Ps. 118:22; Matt. 21:42).
Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His redeeming love (Rev. 5:9).
Optional Reading: 2 Corinthians 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 1:1-2