Please read your Bible text Ezra 5:1-17
‘Zerubbabel son of Sheatiel and Jeshua son of Jehozadak responded by beginning the task of rebuilding the Temple of God in Jerusalem…’ (Ezra 5:2)
Often setbacks and obstacles can cause such discouragement that we are likely to sway off course! No matter how many obstacles or setbacks along the way – don’t get way laid. Don’t let unfavorable circumstances hinder you from your destiny. The people of God in Ezra’s day had their God given destiny hindered by false accusation, preventing them from completing their task of rebuilding the temple. They procrastinated in the rebuilding program! When you delay your God-given destiny, you delight the devil. Today God is speaking to us to stay on course in all that He wants us to do. I am encouraged by three things in Ezra 5, which God had done to enable His people to stay on course.
1. He Sent Prophets (Messengers) to Encourage Us – vs.1-2
Haggai and Zechariah were two postexilic prophets whose prophecies were recorded for us in the Old Testament. When the people of God were discouraged and aborted the work on the Temple, God sent these two prophets to encourage them and to steer them back on course. Their prophecies not only brought fresh impetus to resume the work—the prophets themselves stayed on to help in the reconstruction (v.2b). All prophecies involve encouragement – minister to people “when the chips were down.” God continues His work of encouragement even today through His prophets. Today’s Prophets may not necessary comes in prophet’s garb but often God uses His prophetic words through a fellow brothers or sisters to encourage us when we are down. Remember His prophetic words encourage you!
2. He Casts His Watchful Eyes Over Us – vs.3-5
As soon as they resumed the work on the temple, the local governor of the land came to question them. But the eyes of God (v.5) were upon the elders of the Jews. In other words, God was personally watching over His people to enable them to stay on course. Previously in Ezra 4 – the local leaders succeeded to bring the work to a stop; but here in Ezra 5, God’s watchful eyes ensured the work did not come to a stop even under interrogation. The people of God identified themselves saying, “We are servants of the God of heaven and earth” (v.11)… If for them, knowing who they were (as God’s servants) could secure God’s watchful eyes, how much more for us today, as sons of God will secure even the very heart of God. The Lord Jesus no longer calls us ‘servants’ but even as friends (John 15:15). Remember His eye watches over you!
3. He Changes Circumstances in Our Favor – vs.6-17
God changed the heart of the local governor and leaders in favor of His people! Unlike the previous letter of accusation (Ezra 4), now the tone of the letter was softened to merely a letter to seek clearance from the King for the Jews to continue the work on the temple (5:6-17). Isn’t it amazing? God can do the same for you today! Remember God can change circumstances in your favor so that you can succeed and prosper in your God-given destiny or work.
THINK:
When the going gets tough – don’t quit – for then the tough gets going.
PRAYER:
Father God, help me by your grace to stay on course, amidst life’s struggles and challenges, to pursue my dreams and aspirations towards my God-given destiny.
20 Mar 2015
David Quek
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