“Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.” Ezra 5:2 NIV
We left yesterday’s reading with the work on the house of God at a standstill. Today’s chapter provides the account of the reviving of its construction and this was met once again with opposition. This time, however, the prophets of God were with them, and they were allowed to continue building until a written decision from king Darius was received regarding this matter.
It does not say but we can know, that while the rebuilding of the Temple was suspended, the Jews would have had an altar and a tabernacle which they would have made use of, but it would not have been their wish or their end goal.
This reminded me that though there may be times when we are unable to do what we want to do, we must still do what we can in the service of God. When we are walking with the Sprit, the Lord is with us and He will provide the time and the way for His will to be done.
Lock Your Wings 
As a parent and a grade 1 teacher this chapter reminded me so much of tattling. “But they’re building the temple without asking” said in a whiny voice. A common response to tattling is “so what”. What does it really matter? What about these people rebuilding the temple? What does it matter if there is actual proof that King Cyrus said they could? Were they jealous of the wealth? Were they demanding the Israelites be banished again? Were they worried about losing all they gained during the time of exile? So what? When we are tempted to tattle may we also ask ourselves “so what” and see if it actually worth our concern.
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