Read Ezra 4:6-24
It’s not often we read a letter exchange like this in Scripture. Sure, the apostle Paul wrote letters in the New Testament, but they comprised whole books of their own. These letters are nothing like those because they are full of nonsense and devoid of facts. The purpose of these letters is to upset the King and drive a wedge between him and the people rebuilding the temple.
These attempts to sabotage God’s kingdom purposes in rebuilding the temple are blatant and mean. I find myself getting a bit defensive on behalf of God’s people. Did you? Will such an exaggeration go unpunished?
God gave his people a second chance upon returning from Babylon to love him and show their devotion. Along come these troublemakers set on creating a diversion that attacks the credibility and motivation of those freed from captivity in Babylon.
People can change, especially when God gets a hold of them. We’ve all heard transformation stories of people who were far from God and then blossomed after they discovered God’s love and redemption. That’s the way I’m looking at the Israelites at this moment in history. They were trying to be obedient. God had given them an opportunity for a “do-over.” What do you suppose was going through their minds when they had to shut the operation down?
Does history repeat itself? These enemy rulers sure thought so. They figured if Jerusalem was so ruthless before, it would certainly become that way again. The Israelites didn’t have the best track record of staying faithful. In general, people have been infected with sin ever since Adam and Eve tried that forbidden fruit in the garden. It’s our sin that separates us from God and tests our faithfulness.
What troubles me most is that assumptions were being made in the first place. If these expectations came true, God’s people would turn from him once again and break his heart. I wonder if the Israelites were aware of this damaging correspondence. They were certainly strong-armed into shutting down their building project, they must have wondered why.
Where was God? Why was he allowing this false information to halt the progress of the restoration? Perhaps God was testing his people to see how they would respond to the opposition? Would they cave in and fall into their old ways or confidently stand with God and wait for his direction? (Remember the main focus of Ezra is to chronicle the rebuilding project.)
We, too, will face opposition and struggles in our lives. Some of these attacks will move us off course and rock our world. We need to be careful, recognize these assaults on our faith journey, and stand strong. Arming ourselves with the Word of God is a sure way we can do this to be ready for the enemy’s manipulation. Pray for guidance and strength to see you through.
Let’s pray. Lord, watch over me as I face the struggles and distractions present in our world today. You are in control, and I rest in you to help me stand strong and stay on course. May I get stronger each day and become the person you designed me to be. Thank you for what you are building in my life. Give me patience as the construction process can be slow and tedious. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
