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Ezra 6

Good Morning “Faithfully Protected.”  Today we are in Ezra 6.

Testing and trial provide us with an opportunity to demonstrate faith.  True Faith isn’t demonstrated until it’s tested.  

Yesterday I suggested that perhaps God would have protected Judah had they continued temple construction. The text wasn’t clear in chapter 4 and 5 so we can’t really make that definite assertion.  However; we saw that with a little rebuke and encouragement from Gods prophets Haggai and Zechariah - work resumed.  Nothing else had changed.  Their enemies had not relented, given up or been conquered, and at that point there was no new edict from the king.  After 15 years, they simply picked up where they left off and started construction again.

The Jews are questioned once again.  Who told you that it was ok to resume construction?  Give me your names.  This time, instead of cowering they boldly continue.

What is Gods response?  

A search of the archives of King Cyrus is ordered and the original decree to rebuild the temple is discovered.  God moves and King Darius issues his own decree stating that no one is to interfere with the rebuilding of Gods Temple, in fact we’re going to pay for it from the treasures so that work will not be delayed.  What?  Only God, am I right?

Indeed The Temple of The Lord is finished and celebration ensues.  “On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles celebrated the Passover.” Ezra‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬  Once again, they remember Gods faithfulness and protection by observing The Passover.

We’ve been given The Word of God to show us how to live.  Our expectation is really very simple… live by it (Joshua 1:8).  When God says it, that settles it.  NOTHING should stop us.  In Faith we will not be shaken.  

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalms‬ ‭62‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Love you all!  Dig in!