Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Ezra 6 and Psalm 8

In Ezra 5, as the rebuilding continued under the inspiration of Haggai and Zechariah’s prophetic ministry, the local govenor of the province (Trans-Euphrates), Tattenai, and his secretary Shethar-Bozenai questioned their authority to build such a Temple. But the response they received back from the new Emperor Darius was so supportive of the rebuilding efforts that Tattenai,Shethar- Bozenai and their associates were ordered not to interfere, but instead to pay the expenses of the reconstruction from the treasury of Trans-Euphrates. They were even instructed to give the Jews sacrifices to be offered as worship on behalf of the Emperor’s family.So, over the next four years the Temple was rebuilt and eventually dedicated to the LORD, with daily sacrifices and worship continuing as commanded in the Torah.

Proverbs 21:1 says, “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that He channels towards all who please Him.” Clearly Darius’ heart had been channeled towards the LORD’s people and their efforts to rebuild His Temple.

This story should serve as a wonderful illustration to us whenever we find our efforts to build God’s Kingdom and His Church resisted by forces outisde our control. Our call is to prioritise, persevere and pray, all the while firmly believing that God will eventually make a way through every roadblock, and that even the greatest opposition can be turned to support as we remain faithful to the Lord Almighty.

Heavenly Father, please pour out Your Spirit on me today, so that I may prioritise Your purposes and pursue them with faithful perseverence and fervent prayer. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.