And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of Heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up. But after that our fathers had provoked the God of Heaven unto wrath, He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon. But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God. And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor; And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in His place. (Ezra 5:11-15)
Though the enemies of God recited the words of Ezra to king Cyrus when questioning the rebuilding of the temple, they only had to look to the word of God. God had promised Israel that they would return, even stated the number of years of captivity, and declared His plans and purposes (Jer. 29:11) for Israel. Those in opposition to the work of God are also in opposition to God and His Word and so do not seek answers from Him. God’s Word however, is our ultimate authority, even when we have permissions and declarations from earthly authorities. We should not rely on them alone, but trust God to provide them when necessary because He is in control of all things and knows what His people need, just as He did for Israel at this time.
If we rely on earthly authorities apart from God we will be frustrated and often fail, but if we trust in God to provide, He can and will take care of His people that we might continue to accomplish His work of ministry, missions, and discipleship in this world until He has accomplished all He has willed through His Church and He calls His ambassadors Home to be with Him.
Until that day, God’s people are called to minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as GOD provides, with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that others may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet