Ezra 4

“The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the Lord, the God of Israel. So they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, ‘Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do. We have sacrificed to him ever since King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us here.’” Ezra 4:1-2 NLT

It was not long after the rebuilding of the Temple had begun that they were met with much opposition. The enemy had offered to be partners in the construction and rebuilding of the Temple, but they were refused by Zerabbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders. Though the enemy was denied their request, this did not stop them from pursuing their agenda. “Years later when Xerxes began his reign, the enemies of Judah wrote a letter of accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Even later, during the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia, the enemies of Judah, led by Bishlam, Mithredath, and Tabeel, sent a letter to Artaxerxes in the Aramaic language, and it was translated to the king.” (Verses 6-7)

When we are doing something good and pleasing to the Lord, we will be met with opposition. During this time, we need to remain strong in our faith and knowledge of the Lord, following that which Scripture says. In the book of James, we are told not be discouraged when we face trials, but to consider them pure joy because it is in the testing of our faith that produces perseverance.

May we meet opposition with joy. Knowing that we are on the right track, following the will of God.