“Leave this work on the house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site.” Ezra 6:7
We spend a good deal of time waiting for red lights to turn green. It never fails that there is a sense of freedom every time we get the “go ahead.” There are other occasions that release us to move forward, a doctor’s clearance, a father-in-law’s permission, a signed contract, as examples.
While the people of God had decided to move forward with the building project while they waited for word from the king (Ezra 5), I suspect if they were any thing like me, they expected that the answer would be “no.” This is our coping mechanism, to prepare ourselves for the worst. This would include the loss of their leaders whose names were “taken down,” one would think. And you must think those leaders felt they were living on borrowed time. Again, I project myself into this story. These Medes and Persians were ruthless.
Why are we so surprised when the answer comes back in the affirmative? With the God of heaven orchestrating the actions of the king, Cyrus’ initial decree was found in the dusty archives and his successor Darius issued a new one, as magnanimous as the first. They finally had their building permit.
In our lives God continues to work on us to expect “good not evil” with him at the wheel. At the very least, if things don’t turn out as we planned or hoped, to be absolutely certain that there’s something better waiting in the wings. This attitude was clearly demonstrated in the actions and words of Daniel’s cohorts Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego when they refused to bow to the image of the king. They said this.
17 “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3:17–18
So, God moved the king to check the archives, and sure enough there was the decree of Cyrus. Clear as day, the temple project needed to continue and be financed, because you couldn’t change a “law of the Medes and Persians.” What’s important in this story is that the prayers of the Jews were coveted by the king. He drew value from a people connected apparently to an effective diety. This is true today. What people have the backs of the king regardless the political affiliation other than Christians? We are commanded to do so. See Roman’s 13:1-7.
“May the God who has caused His name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who attempts to change it, so as to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued this decree, let it be carried out with all diligence!” Ezra 6:12
When the green lights come, first thank God, for it was his will that the door was opened. Take time to worship him and to give credit where credit is due. It’s not me who landed the big deal or completed that difficult project, but God. The Jews overtly celebrated the completion of the temple and dedicated it to the Almighty. We should do the same, even in the presence of the king. It’s a joyous occasion when an athlete gives clear credit to “his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The same should be done in the board room. In the operating room. Around the dinner table. And to be sure, audibly under our breath. “Thank you Jesus!” Give people a reason to think, as did Darius, that our God, the God “beyond the river,” is a great and worthy God on their side too!
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