Tag: Ezra 5:1-2
Trusting God to Change attitudes
Scripture reading for May 3: Ezra 4-6
Ezra records the spiritual battle for the rebuilding of the temple. When the Jews came to Jerusalem armed with the orders from Cyrus, they were immediately opposed by local political enemies. These enemies offered to help with the work, intending instead to hinder it, and were refused. They then changed tactics and wrote letters to the next king, Artazerxes. These letter brought accusations against the builders and caused the work to cease. (Ezra 4:18-23) The builders stopped work and left it unfinished for a time. Discouragement set in because of political and spiritual opposition!
God’s word cannot be hindered, however. God had spoken through Cyrus that His temple would be rebuilt! God raised up the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the people. (Ezra 5:1-2) The eye of their God was upon them and another letter was sent to the next king, Darius. Darius made a search, found the decree of Cyrus, and enforced it! (Ezra 6:6-12) God truly knows how to change attitudes in political power! Where He guides He also provides; Darius even ordered the bills paid by the royal treasury! (Ezra 6:8)
Are you discouraged today by the attitudes of those in political office or leadership in business? What lessons from Ezra’s record of Israel’s kings can you apply today? Are you helping with rebuilding the Lord’s Church with a joyful attitude?
“For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.” Ezra 6:22
The power of prophesy!
Scripture reading for June 8th: Ezra 2-5, Acts 26
Key Scriptures: Acts 26:27-29 “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian? And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am–except for these chains.”
Paul made his defense before King Agrippa and appealed to the King about his knowledge of the prophets. He invited him to believe but Agrippa resisted, saying that he needed more time. Paul stated that his prayer was for him to become a believer in Jesus, whether sooner or later, as well as all who heard him.
Ezra 5:1-2 “Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the Name of the God of Israel who was over them. . . .and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.”
Prayer: Lord, thank You for prophetic support in preaching Your Word! May prophesy flow through me as I testify of Your Gospel. Amen.