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Daily Devotion: Ezra 6:7

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Ezra 6:7   "Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place."

This verse is very interesting in that those who opposed the work of the temple had sent their petition to the king with full expectation of his stopping the work. This was his reply when the written decree was found that Cyrus had given full approval, knowing that God had moved hearts in order for the work to be accomplished. "Let the work of this house of God alone."  When reading a few verses further, you can see that he proceeded to tell the opposition to make sure the people had plenty of supplies in rebuilding the temple. Then he went on to tell them to provide "both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven." This next verse shows how mighty our God truly is: "That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons." (Ezra 6:10) To seal the certainty of this happening, King Darius told them that if anyone tried to prevent the work, his house would be torn apart and the timbers would be used to make gallows upon which they would be hanged.  Do you think he was serious about this?

"Let the work alone." Provide young bullocks, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings of the GOD OF HEAVEN." I need them to "pray for the life of the king and his sons."  How great is our God!!  When the people were first confronted and asked, "Who are you to be doing this work?" Their answer was simple and straightforward: "We are servants of the most High God."  I am reminded of a passage of Scripture that fits this situation and every situation you and I are called upon to endure. "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  (58)  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:57-58 )

Stand fast. Lean upon the Lord. Trust Him. He will provide our every need according to His will and His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

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