“In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:
“’Thus says Cyrus: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, and rebuild the house of the Lord.'”
“The people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus…
“In the reign of Ahasuerus,.. they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem… Then, when King Artaxerxes’ letter was read.., they went in haste… and by force and power made them cease. The work on the house of God… stopped until the second year of Darius.”
“Zerubbabel and Jeshua arose and began to rebuild the house of God.., and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.
“Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai and their associates came and [said]: ‘Who gave you a decree to build… and finish this structure?..’But the eye of their God was on… the Jews, and they did not stop…”
“[Then Darius decreed]: ‘Now therefore.., keep away. Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the… Jews rebuild this house of God. Moreover,.. the cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue… Whatever is needed… let that be given to them day by day without fail… May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any[one] who shall… alter this, or destroy this house… Let it be done with all diligence…’
“The elders of the Jews built and prospered… They finished their building by decree of God and of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes.” Ezra 1:1-3; 4:4-6,23-24; 5:2-3,5; 6:6-9,12,14
Could the prospect of a rebuilt temple have been any farther from possibility? Not only had it been destroyed, but the Israelites were captive in Babylon. Once they returned to Judah they were barraged with constant opposition. Yet it was in ‘what man meant for harm’ that the Lord showed up most magnificently to mean and do for good. (Genesis 50:20)
What God intends, He will always see through. What appears impassible or impossible to us is already paved and accomplished by Him. His intent is higher and broader than ours- not just completion of an act but deepening of our faith, the furthering of His work, the display of His character and glory. (Matthew 19:26)
We make or receive an assignment, and we want it done. We disdain anyone or anything getting in the way of our goals. We might push against opposition, or fall to discouragement or despair. Would we pause to ask God’s greater purpose?
Might He be teaching us not to rely on ourselves, but Him and His ways? Might He be positioning our opposition so they can observe our response, giving witness to God’s empowering and grace? How is God ordering our circumstances, challenging or unexpected, to magnify His glory?
Lord, keep me pliant and persistent with Your plans, so You are recognized.
As the rain and snow 