God is in control – Page 3

Ezra 5:1-5 – Questioning Your Motives

Read Ezra 5:1-5

I’ve reflected on the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah before in the book of the 12 Prophets. These prophets of God spoke encouragement to those charged with rebuilding the temple of the Lord. Haggai, especially, is a hidden gem filled with all sorts of encouragement we can apply today.

We’re seeing how this rebuilding project is getting a lot of attention from the enemies of God. But God ordained this work, so I’m confident he won’t let it fail. In today’s reading, Tattenai, governor of the province Jerusalem is part of, attempts to distract the people so they question their motives. We can be thankful the people had prophets like Haggai and Zechariah to keep them grounded and devoted to God’s purpose.

Ezra 1:5-11 – When God Stirs

Read Ezra 1:5-11

Those returning from exile to rebuild the temple will not be empty-handed. God continues to stir the people into action. Cyrus, the Persian king, was certainly doing his part to help facilitate the good will called for in his proclamation from our last reading. Isn’t it something that God knew Cyrus by name before he was even born when the prophet, Isaiah, spoke of this moment in history? (See Isaiah 44:28)

God orchestrates this whole process. How does that make you feel? One minute the people are living their normal lives and the next some are packing up to move back to their homeland. When I think about seventy years, that’s a long time to get comfortable in the land of exile. Those being stirred by God in today’s reading have likely never even seen Jerusalem.

Haggai 1:1-11 – Put God First

Read Haggai 1:1-11

Haggai is one of the post-exilic prophets who spoke to those returning from exile in Babylon. Haggai’s messages begin the second year of King Darius’ reign in approximately 520 B.C. Babylon had been defeated by King Cyrus in 539 B.C.

The Persian Empire was in control in those days, and the Israelites had been allowed to return to their homeland. From what God says through Haggai, it appears the people are still living selfishly and not putting God in first position. His temple still lies in ruins.

1 Peter 2:13-17 – Who is My Boss?

Read 1 Peter 2:13-17

Today, there are plenty of sources trying to control us. It may be our boss at work, the government, or the police officer who pulled us over for speeding. Even our own children “think” they are in a place of power when they try to manipulate us into doing what they want. All of these “authorities” play a role in our daily lives. How we respond is up to us. Peter suggests we “submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed.” Did you catch those final words? The ones God has appointed.

Does that mean all who serve in an official capacity as an “authority” are appointed by God? Or does that mean that we need to submit to the ones God has appointed and not all the other ones? If the latter, how do we know who is who?

Jeremiah 50:1-20 – Watch Out Babylon!

Read Jeremiah 50:1-20

Were you surprised to see God’s fury unleash on Babylon? Both Chapter 50 and 51 will focus on God’s plans for Babylon. Interesting that the very world power God used to wreak havoc on his people and the surrounding nations will also fall.

For the simplicity of the message, “Babylon will fall,” there is a lot of complexity to this extended prophecy. One scholar identifies thirteen prophetic units. We’ll take it in a few chunks (not 13)! We’ll notice the vivid poetic imagery used and the promises for God’s people. We aren’t told when Jeremiah wrote these words, but it is clearly written about “future” events.