Sunsets and Endings

 

So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. (Nehemiah 6:15–16 ESV).

 

Several years ago, while driving through Cade’s Cove Loop in the Smoky Mountains, Mary and I stopped to watch the sunset before exiting. We had spent the afternoon riding the loop, looking at the cabins and churches, walking a bit on some easy trails, and enjoying seeing all the wildlife. The picture I’ve attached is looking over a field where we had already seen several deer cross and I thought “what a great way to end the day!” Sunsets are God’s way of reminding us that a part of our journey is ending. Whether the day was filled with simple tasks and projects or hard experiences and circumstances, it has come to an end.

 

It’s a great feeling to finish a long and difficult project. Imagine how it felt for Nehemiah and the Jews to have completed their building project. They had worked under threats of attack and delays, under a cloud of tension day and night. Finally, after fifty-two days of nearly constant work, the wall of Jerusalem was finished. However, they knew their journey was not finished. Tensions with their enemies continued.

 

Nehemiah knew that opposition would not stop just because the work was finished. When the final touches around the doors and gates were complete, Israel’s enemies “were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of [Israel’s] God.” As a result, threats from their enemies kept coming. The people had to remember why they began the rebuilding in the first place—God had called them to be his people and to be a light for the other nations. Their enemies could not defeat God, but they would surely keep trying.

 

We should let every sunset remind us of this great truth: while the day may be ending, we have not finished. God has called you and will always be with you. Even if people are not celebrating God’s work in your life, you have a Savior who is always for you, not against you. You can trust him!

 

DEFCON 1

 

Now when I went into the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home, he said, “Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple. Let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you. They are coming to kill you by night.” But I said, “Should such a man as I run away? And what man such as I could go into the temple and live? I will not go in.” And I understood and saw that God had not sent him, but he had pronounced the prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. For this purpose he was hired, that I should be afraid and act in this way and sin, and so they could give me a bad name in order to taunt me. Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things that they did, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who wanted to make me afraid. (Nehemiah 6:10–14 ESV).

 

DEFCON (Defense Readiness Condition) is the U.S. military's alert system with five levels (5 being lowest, 1 being highest threat) for national security, signaling readiness for conflict. The system, developed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ensures standardized communication of readiness, though the specific level is kept secret for security reasons. If we take this scale and apply it to the circumstances Nehemiah was facing in our reading today, he would have been at DEFCON 1. This was not because of a physical threat. It was more insidious than that. His enemies had gone to great lengths to discredit and tarnish Nehemiah’s reputation.

 

Nehemiah knew when people were trying to trick him. His enemies tried again and again to stop the work of rebuilding God’s city. They even sent Nehemiah a false message about a rumor of revolt against the king, hoping he would fall for it. But Nehemiah was aware of their plot and wouldn’t take the bait. So, the enemies tried a different tactic. They hired a prophet to try to trick him. But he prayed that the Lord would strengthen his hands and sharpen his mind, and he was able to resist. He said, “I realized that God had not sent [this prophet], but that … he had been hired to intimidate me.”

 

Jesus taught his disciples that he would be sending them out like sheep among wolves. He warned them to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves”; he said, “Be on your guard” (Matthew 10:16-17). We also are called to be on high alert with people who wish to deter us from keeping our focus on serving God. In a world such as we live in today, we are certainly at DEFCON 1… stay alert!

 

Restoring Hope

 

I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, “You are exacting interest, each from his brother.” And I held a great assembly against them and said to them, “We, as far as we are able, have bought back our Jewish brothers who have been sold to the nations, but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us!” They were silent and could not find a word to say. So I said, “The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies? Moreover, I and my brothers and my servants are lending them money and grain. Let us abandon this exacting of interest. Return to them this very day their fields, their vineyards, their olive orchards, and their houses, and the percentage of money, grain, wine, and oil that you have been exacting from them.” Then they said, “We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say.” And I called the priests and made them swear to do as they had promised. I also shook out the fold of my garment and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house and from his labor who does not keep this promise. So may he be shaken out and emptied.” And all the assembly said “Amen” and praised the LORD. And the people did as they had promised. (Nehemiah 5:6–13 ESV).

 

In our reading today we find a very important message for our current culture. The entire chapter tells the story of how people were struggling to make ends meet and that many of their fellow Jews were taking advantage of them. It is important to note that Nehemiah was not silent. He addressed this matter of injustice with grace and firmness.

 

First, Nehemiah took seriously the cries of injustice. Rich nobles and officials were mistreating many of their poorer brothers and sisters, charging interest on debts and even selling their children into slavery for payment. Nehemiah heard their cries for justice.

 

Second, Nehemiah acted. Justice must be addressed with appropriate remedies. Nehemiah gathered the nobles and officials and pointed out that they were not acting in a God-fearing manner. Nehemiah told them to give back the fields and houses—and the interest they had charged. The rich nobles and officials took Nehemiah’s words to heart. They responded by giving back what had been taken from the poor people who cried out. Justice is an important value to God. Jesus came to bring justice into the world, and he calls us to follow his example. We are to work toward justice where it is in short supply. We must call people back to the will and purpose of God. That restores hope!

 

When Circumstances Are Tense

 

In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.” So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes. When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah. (Nehemiah 4:10-16 ESV).

 

Israel’s opponents mounted a fierce campaign against them. Sanballat and his friends tried to bully God’s people to stop the work of rebuilding. They ridiculed the people and threatened violence. And the people reacted in a very normal way. Their emotional strength began to falter. Tension began to rise as exhaustion set in and the fear of attack surfaced. Nehemiah handled this situation in a way that is a wonderful lesson for us when we find ourselves in circumstances that are tense.

 

With their enemies breathing down their necks, Nehemiah encouraged the people to keep up the work. He prayed for God’s protection. With hands lifted to heaven, he prayed, “Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads.” In addition to prayer, he stationed people as guards. If an attack was evident, they were ready to fight. Nehemiah’s words and wisdom provided solace and strength to the people. He spoke into the tension by saying, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

 

Tension is a gift if we seize it as an opportunity to strengthen our faith in the Lord, who is strong and mighty. Jesus never ran away from tension. He embraced it as a gift that can be used to become courageous in the midst of fear. We don’t seek out tension, but it may be a gift we really need.

 

Being Next To...

 

Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. (Nehemiah 3:1-2 ESV).

 

Our reading today is merely the first two verses of the third chapter in Nehemiah’s recounting of the rebuilding of the city walls, gates and the temple. I encourage you to read the entirety of the chapter, though for our purposes today these two verses are sufficient. You will notice there are many names in the chapter; and, to those unfamiliar with the Hebrew language, very difficult to pronounce. Because of that we tend to skip over these portions of Scripture. However, that’s a mistake. To Nehemiah, they were real people, with families and stories. The people who worked on the gates and walls mattered to God, and God mattered to them. They worked, prayed, worshiped, laughed, and cried next to each other.

 

The words “next to” are crucial. God takes seriously our capacity to serve together as a community in doing his work. This picture I’ve attached is from a mission trip in East Tennessee with other men from Maury Baptist Association when we deployed a team of men to repair/reconstruct a family’s roof. I did spend a great deal of time on the roof tearing off the old roof and replacing it with new tin panels, though in this picture you can see me “supervising” in the lower left of the photo. I was privileged to accompany these men on many such trips. It was essential that we work together. That is the concept of being “next to” in our reading today.

 

Nobody worked alone, trying to control the project. The repairs were made by people working side by side. Their love and care for each other must have caught the eye of people watching them. Their diversity worked in unity. That’s community development at its best. The apostle Paul knew the story of Nehemiah well. He wrote to explain to a newly formed group of Jesus followers, “A body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body” (1 Corinthians 12:12). When we work together in any of the many ministries of the church we show the unity of Christ. When we serve next to each other in a spirit of unity and grace, Jesus becomes contagious and winsome. It’s the church’s message that Christ is real in us. This brings success and victory!

 

The King's Cupbearer

 

In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ graves, that I may rebuild it.” And the king said to me (the queen sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time. And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah, and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress of the temple, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me. (Nehemiah 2:1–8 ESV).

 

Remember from our reading yesterday that Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the king (cf. Nehemiah 1:11). This meant he was a high-ranking, trusted royal official in ancient courts, responsible for serving the king's drinks, tasting them first to guard against poison, and often becoming a confidant and influential advisor due to their constant proximity to the monarch. This role, exemplified by figures like Nehemiah in the Bible, demanded absolute loyalty, as it involved risking one's life and privy to state secrets, making it a position of significant power, not just menial service. 

 

As the king’s cupbearer, Nehemiah had a relationship with Artaxerxes that was built on trust. Nehemiah sensed that the Lord had called him to help his people. So he asked the king for permission to rebuild the ruins of Jerusalem. Then, with help from the king and building resources provided, he set out to do this God-honoring work.

 

Now, when we have determined, through discernment and prayer, to do the will of God, we can expect opposition. That soon happened to Nehemiah. Sanballat and Tobiah wanted to stop the rebuilding project. “They were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites.” Notice that God doesn’t “wave a magic wand” to relieve the struggle. He just keeps working through kings, people, and circumstances. And Nehemiah trusts God to bring success. Despite the opposition, he knows the Lord is with him.

 

The Lord Jesus has called you and I to rebuild the broken places of our world. We can expect that our work will face trials and setbacks from people opposed to God’s plans. But be assured that the Holy Spirit is working on our behalf. “He who began a good work in [us] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). God is working through us. Let us rebuild the broken walls of society and bring glory to Jesus’ name.

 

Nehemiah

 

[Nehemiah wrote] As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king. (Nehemiah 1:4–11 ESV).

 

During the rest of this month we will study the book of Nehemiah, who became a community developer for God in Jerusalem. Before that, however, Nehemiah served as “cupbearer to the king” in Susa, one of the capital cities of Persia. He had to sample the king’s wine (and other foods) to protect the king from being poisoned by enemies. When some of Nehemiah’s people (the Jews) came to report about the troubles in Jerusalem, God called Nehemiah to a new job.

 

Nehemiah was an organizer. He knew how to pull teams together. He was knowledgeable about woods, metals, and surveying. But he didn’t begin by raising money or gathering workers; his work began with prayer. “LORD, the God of heaven … let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying.” Nehemiah realized his plans would be futile if the Lord wasn’t at the center of them from the start.

 

In the New Testament, Jesus spent hours in prayer before choosing his disciples. He spent much time with the Father before going to the cross. He taught his disciples how to pray. The renewing work of God begins on our knees—not with a tape measure or a smart phone. Is the Lord asking you to come to him in prayer before you begin work today? Renewal starts in our hearts before God.

 

The Blame Game

 

While Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, a very great assembly of men, women, and children, gathered to him out of Israel, for the people wept bitterly. And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, of the sons of Elam, addressed Ezra: “We have broken faith with our God and have married foreign women from the peoples of the land, but even now there is hope for Israel in spite of this. Therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God, and let it be done according to the Law. Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it.” Then Ezra arose and made the leading priests and Levites and all Israel take an oath that they would do as had been said. So they took the oath. (Ezra 10:1–5 ESV).

 

The "blame game" is a destructive cycle where individuals or groups point fingers and shift responsibility for mistakes or failures, avoiding accountability by refusing to admit their own role and instead blaming others or external factors to protect themselves from negative consequences, often leading to damaged relationships and stalled problem-solving. It's a common pattern in personal relationships, workplaces, and politics, characterized by finger-pointing and mutual recrimination rather than seeking constructive solutions, and it's driven by a fear of consequences and a desire to regain control in chaotic situations. 

 

Healing doesn’t begin until people who have done wrong take responsibility for their actions. The people of God wanted to be healed of their rebellion of intermarrying with other peoples and adopting their gods and detestable practices. Ezra prayed for God’s forgiveness, and the people needed to do their part in the reconciliation process.

 

The people gathered around and wept. They admitted they had rejected God’s command to remain holy. They confessed their sin to Ezra and to God. In the pouring rain, Ezra demanded that the Israelites get right with God. They took measures to confess their sins, separate from the foreign families and practices, and submit to doing God’s will. This was not without great pain. Families were ripped apart. But at this time in Israel’s history it was the way to make things right.

 

When we confess, God forgives us. Then change can begin. If we want change in our personal life, our family, our nation, it must begin with confession of our sin. The Scripture is very clear: “… if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV).

 

The Answer to Discouragement

After these things had been done, the officials approached me and said, “The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands with their abominations, from the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. For they have taken some of their daughters to be wives for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy race has mixed itself with the peoples of the lands. And in this faithlessness the hand of the officials and chief men has been foremost.” As soon as I heard this, I tore my garment and my cloak and pulled hair from my head and beard and sat appalled. Then all who trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the faithlessness of the returned exiles, gathered around me while I sat appalled until the evening sacrifice. And at the evening sacrifice I rose from my fasting, with my garment and my cloak torn, and fell upon my knees and spread out my hands to the LORD my God. (Ezra 9:1–5 ESV).

 

Discouragement is common, especially in our present culture. Evil disguises itself as good; lies are more common than truth; and hatred has replaced love. This is something of the context of our reading today. The leaders of Israel approached Ezra with bad news. While building God’s house, Israel was still following their own desires. Everyone was guilty. The leaders and officials led the way in unfaithful living. Discouraged, Ezra likely wanted to walk away after all the hard work he had done. But he chose a better way: He “fell on [his] knees … and prayed.”

 

First, Ezra admitted his sins and the sins of the people. Then he recounted the Lord’s faithfulness and confessed that the people had failed to apply God’s Word to their daily lives as holy people of the Lord. They had mixed with the people around them and accepted their “detestable practices”—that is, the worship of other gods and the immorality that went with it: perverse sexual relations, child sacrifice, occult practices, and more (cf. Leviticus 18-20; Deuteronomy 7:3-4; 18:9-13). Ezra also appealed to God’s character: “Lord, the God of Israel, you are righteous!” Ezra prayed that the Lord would not toss them aside but instead redeem them for his purposes.

 

When we confess our sins, Jesus doesn’t toss us aside or throw us out like trash. He is willing to forgive us and redeem us to live life on his terms and by his Spirit’s power. If you are feeling discouraged or hopeless read 2 Corinthians 4:1-18… this is the truth that will break the chains of helplessness!

  

Last Letters

“And I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers in the province Beyond the River: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, requires of you, let it be done with all diligence, up to 7,500 pounds of silver, 600 bushels of wheat, 600 gallons of wine, 600 gallons of oil, and salt without prescribing how much. Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be done in full for the house of the God of heaven, lest his wrath be against the realm of the king and his sons. We also notify you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on anyone of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the doorkeepers, the temple servants, or other servants of this house of God. And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people in the province Beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God. And those who do not know them, you shall teach. Whoever will not obey the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be strictly executed on him, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of his goods or for imprisonment.” [Ezra said] Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the LORD that is in Jerusalem, and who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty officers. I took courage, for the hand of the LORD my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.” (Ezra 7:21–28 ESV).

 

Recently I updated what I have called my “last letters.” I have been told I am a bit morbid in my practice of writing these “last letters” to my family. My intention is not to be morbid, but rather to exercise some wisdom in doing all I can to leave my loved ones with no doubt of my love for them. My hope is that it will be an encouragement to each of them. We have regular conversations, but death can come as such a surprise even during a prolonged illness. These are in no way a reflection of anything I’ve done, rather they are words of affirmation of who they are and who God is in their life. They are not an “obituary” but one more conversation to encourage them to live a life full of the joy and grace God desires for them.

 

We see that at times in the Scripture. The last words about the apostle Paul are extraordinary. Acts 28:31 declares, “He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!” Paul knew his authority came straight from Jesus. In a similar way, Ezra was authorized by King Artaxerxes to assess and reestablish the people of Israel according to the law of God. Our reading today describes how God worked through the king to bring God’s people into a new situation to serve him. In exile, the freedom of the Israelites was restricted. But Ezra reported to Israel that their freedom to worship was now wide open. They could renew the kind of worship that reflected how God had saved them, freed them, and thus called for their obedience. King Artaxerxes and Ezra both knew they were God’s instruments. They both carried out their God-given roles for his purposes. The king gave Ezra the full protection of his empire to reaffirm Israel’s identity in the one true God, who rules over the kings of the world.

 

By “the God of heaven,” you are authorized to live an unhindered life of boldness and freedom. You are a letter of God’s grace and mercy! You have the full backing of the Lord, who promises to “be with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28: 20). Live the unhindered life today!

  

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree

 

Now after this, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah, son of Shallum, son of Zadok, son of Ahitub, son of Amariah, son of Azariah, son of Meraioth, son of Zerahiah, son of Uzzi, son of Bukki, son of Abishua, son of Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the chief priest— this Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the LORD, the God of Israel, had given, and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him. And there went up also to Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king, some of the people of Israel, and some of the priests and Levites, the singers and gatekeepers, and the temple servants. And Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. For on the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylonia, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. (Ezra 7:1–10 ESV).

 

"An apple doesn't fall far from the tree" is an idiom meaning a child often shares similar traits, behaviors, or characteristics with their parents, whether good or bad, much like an apple stays close to the tree it fell from. It suggests hereditary similarities in personality, talent, or even negative habits, often used to highlight a child's resemblance to a parent's qualities. In some cases, these similarities lead a child to follow in the career of their parents as well.

 

While that was not true for me or my children as far as a career was concerned, there can be no doubt that I have many of the same characteristics as my father; and my sons have many of mine. Some of those inherited traits are good, and some not so good!

 

In our reading today we see this truth confirmed in Ezra. He followed his father Seraiah in the family of priests. It was his family’s calling to lead God’s people into the presence of God. It was important that Ezra understood how he got into the family business. His line went back many generations to Aaron, the chief priest during the time of Moses. Ezra did not strike out on his own to become a priest between God and his people. He was born into the position. He was part of the long history of God’s faithfulness in providing holy leadership for a reconstituted people. God’s business was Ezra’s family business, and Ezra was employed by God alone.

 

As children of God, you and I are brought into the family of God by our high priest, Jesus Christ. The Bible reminds us, “We have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus, the Son of God” (Hebrews 4:14). We are born into the family business of blessing, mercy, forgiveness, and love. As God’s dearly loved children, our salvation is provided not because we are great people. It was God’s business to make salvation work. While we certainly are not “duplicates” of Jesus, we have been given the spiritual traits of this great heavenly priesthood. What a great privilege to follow in those steps!

 

The Final Step

 

Then, according to the word sent by Darius the king, Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates did with all diligence what Darius the king had ordered. And the elders of the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia; and this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. And the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. (Ezra 6:13–16 ESV).

 

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, also known as the Tower of Pisa or ‘Torre pendente di Pisa’ in Italian, is one of the world’s most famous buildings due to its leaning stance, which leaves it forever appearing to be toppling over. It took 344 years to complete, construction started in 1173, and was completed in 1372, making the total time of construction nearly 200 years. In contrast, it took a mere two years and two months to complete the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The tilt of the Tower of Pisa was noticeable as workers built the second floor. The lean was caused by shallow foundations and unstable subsoil. Engineers working on the tower in later years built upper floors with one side shorter than the other to compensate. This means the structure is curved as well as tilting! Yet it is celebrated as one of the most unique and interesting structures of the world.

 

Returning to the construction project facing Ezra and Nehemiah we find it took 20 years to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The people had fought delays and enemy accusations. They had endured exile. They worked under challenging conditions and stressful situations. But they built the house of God. Worship was at stake. God wanted a place to dwell with his people again. Our reading today recounts the final step in the completion of this project: they “…celebrated with joy” (v. 13).

 

The temple’s completion marked a new beginning for God’s people who had lived in exile in a foreign land. They were finally home. God was faithful, and his Word gave them confidence and stamina. When the work was done, there was just one more thing to do—worship! The people spent seven days in celebration and worship. They realized that the work was done not because they were great builders. Everything was done by the strong arm and constant care of the Lord. Their complete joy centered on worshiping the Lord.

 

The Lord Jesus built salvation for us. He came into our broken world. He lived as a human being, just as us, he embraced all of the same pain and limits as we do. He died on a cross to bring us access to the Father. He rose from the grave, putting death to death. Then he returned to heaven to prepare a place for us in the new heaven and earth, where all of life will be worship in God’s presence forever.

 

Shouldn’t this finished work of grace and forgiveness prompt us to worship in awe?

After all, that is the final step in the process!

 

The Hidden Messages of God

 

[King Darius said] “Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates the governors who are in the province Beyond the River, keep away. Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site. Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God. The cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River. And whatever is needed—bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests at Jerusalem require—let that be given to them day by day without fail, that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons. Also I make a decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of his house, and he shall be impaled on it, and his house shall be made a dunghill. May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who shall put out a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God that is in Jerusalem. I Darius make a decree; let it be done with all diligence.” (Ezra 6:6–12 ESV).

 

We need a bit of context preceding our reading today. King Cyrus had made a little-known decree allowing Israel to rebuild their temple to the Lord (cf. Ezra 1:2-4). Darius, the next king, helped the people continue the work of God. Tattenai, the local governor, wanted strong evidence to support Israel’s rebuilding of the temple. Darius found the message written by Cyrus, who had wanted it known that he was picked by God to help build the Lord’s new temple. Cyrus had even laid out specific instructions to follow. So, Darius declared, “Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God.” The Lord used these kings for his purpose. A little hidden scroll encouraged the people to see that God wanted his plan to go forward.

 

Have often found the clear message of God in the least likely of places. Often it is only when we look back and evaluate all the circumstances of our journey do we get a clear picture. Just yesterday I went to the cariologist because of some issues that were recurring and concerning. I don’t have many answers yet. He has ordered a series of tests to be done to eliminate the most likely culprit. So far I’ve only done one of those tests with results to follow. More will be scheduled in the coming days, but until then, I am reminded of the simple truth that God already has the answers. While I would like to know too, my call from Him is to simply trust. He’s provided all I need. For now the answers remain hidden.

 

These “hidden messages” can come out and encourage or warn us. An old letter found in a drawer can bring help just when you need it. A call from a friend can come when you need a listening ear. A word from God’s story can remind you that he will always be with you. Keep your eyes and heart open for God’s messages of love and encouragement to you today. He will never fail you or forsake you (cf. Deuteronomy 31:6).

The Unwritten Rules

 

At the same time Tattenai the governor of the province Beyond the River and Shethar-bozenai and their associates came to them and spoke to them thus: “Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this structure?” They also asked them this: “What are the names of the men who are building this building?” But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until the report should reach Darius and then an answer be returned by letter concerning it. (Ezra 5:3–5 ESV).

 

Have you ever been confronted with “unwritten rules” in the church. Throughout history it is a well-known fact that having a reserved pew in church was not all that uncommon. So much so that in the 19^th Century, people would pay to rent their seat to ensure that they had a place to sit every week. While the practice of renting a bench to sit on is no longer practiced, in some congregations it is almost an unwritten rule that everyone tends to sit in the same place week after week. And when this pattern is disrupted, it is almost as though you feel you have broken one of God’s commandments!

 

There were unwritten rules in the region around Israel too, as God’s people rebuilt their temple to the Lord. The neighboring communities thought the rebuilding should stop. They wrote a letter to King Darius, and they were sure the king would see things their way.

 

In the meantime, the Israelites stood their ground, knowing Cyrus had given them permission earlier. They reaffirmed their identity first as God’s people: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth…” In addition, they knew they had been exiled because of their disobedience to God. But now they had permission from King Cyrus to rebuild God’s temple.

 

Today we are authorized to be the witnesses of Jesus in the world. Our identity is in the risen Lord, who is building his kingdom in us, through us, and around us. And by his authority we will build his kingdom by serving him in this world.

 

The Answer to Opposition

 

Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them. Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them. (Ezra 5:1-2 ESV).

 

In today’s reading we find that God wanted the people to restart building the temple. They needed help. So, God sent his prophets to the people. The prophets performed important functions for the people. They helped bring God’s presence into their midst. They personally addressed the people, speaking God’s words of authority and reminding them of God’s faithfulness in the past.

 

The prophets also worked with the priests and Levites to remind the people of the stories of Abraham, Moses, and David. They helped the people keep faith. With visions from God, the prophets helped the people return to the work of rebuilding, regardless of the circumstances.

 

When we reach a point where the opposition has been so fierce and the discouragement to keep going is so great, we must remember who we are. The Spirit of God works to remind us that Jesus will be with you always and will bring others to help at the right time. As we recognize this truth, we are renewed toward the work of restoration and proclamation.

 

I have often said, “Never let past failures or future fears rob you of present joy.” This is the attitude that is founded on the principle of the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. With His presence, is there anything He directs too great for us to accomplish? Of course not. The answer to opposition is not stubborn perseverance; rather, it is submissive trust in the will and work of God. God will never abandon us in the journey He has given us to travel!

 

Enemies of the Faithful

 

Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the returned exiles were building a temple to the LORD, the God of Israel, they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of fathers’ houses and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria who brought us here.” But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers’ houses in Israel said to them, “You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we alone will build to the LORD, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.” Then 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 king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. (Ezra 4:1–5 ESV).

 

In his book Answering God, Eugene Peterson remarks, “Enemies, especially for those who live by faith, are a fact of life. If we don’t know we have them or who they are, we live in a dangerous naivete.”

 

God’s people had enemies who opposed their becoming a holy people. They were rebuilding the temple when what seemed like a friendly offer to help turned out to be a subversive attempt to stop God’s work. The motives of this offer were quickly discerned. So, the enemies tried a different tactic. “The peoples around them set out to discourage the people … and make them afraid to go on building. They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans.”

 

This pressure discouraged the people for a while, and the rebuilding of the temple came to a standstill. However, this did not God stop working. Our enemies may try to delay God’s work, but they can’t stop it. God eventually sent prophets to inspire and motivate the people to begin rebuilding his temple again (cf. Haggai 1; Zechariah 1; Ezra 5:1-2).

 

The Apostle Paul faced significant opposition in his mission to the Gentile world. The reaction from both inside the Christian community, who were predominantly Jews, and the Roman authorities were significant. He had an answer to that, which he writes to the Philippians: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 ). There will always be enemies who try to stop God’s work, but God is in control. He will complete his good work in all of us. Know your enemies and trust God in your work!

 

Building Community in Your Life

And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments came forward with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD, according to the directions of David king of Israel. And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. (Ezra 3:10–11 ESV).

 

As I am writing my memoirs I have also been searching through old photos to accompany the narrative. The photo I’ve attached is from a family reunion taken at my maternal aunt and uncles’ home in Dickinson, Texas, sometime in mid to late 50’s. There are four generations represented in the photo. It should be remembered that the three ladies seated in the middle immigrated to the Untied States in the late 1800’s from Sicily. Such events were essential for the families of that era. It maintained connection and built “community.”  

 

As we continue our study of Ezra and Nehemiah, today’s reading reveals how restored worship for an exiled people deepened their communal lives. The exile community became a God-centered people when they gathered together for worship. God had to be first in their lives, no matter what. The priests started by building “the altar of the God of Israel.” Ezra stated, “Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD.” Then the carpenters and bricklayers began building God’s house for the purpose of worship. And then the priests—responsible to lead God-honoring worship—went into action. When the foundation of God’s house was complete, they worshiped God with singing and shouts of joy. They sang, “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” They were a community of worship.

 

Community comes when we join others in the acts and actions of worship. The principle was practiced in my family also. We would usually gather in the spring of the year on the weekend of St. Joseph’s Day. As Sicilians there was always lots of food and fellowship. However, as the day began with a bit of pageantry celebrating the work of Christ in the cross and resurrection, it ended with much of the food packaged and delivered to the poor and needy. Worship is much more than gathering to sing hymns and listen to sermons. It is the practice of ministry to others that they may know the same Savior that we know. Build that kind of community in your life!

  

What's in a Name?

 

Now these were the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried captive to Babylonia. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town… The whole assembly together was 42,360, besides their male and female servants, of whom there were 7,337, and they had 200 male and female singers. Their horses were 736, their mules were 245, their camels were 435, and their donkeys were 6,720. Some of the heads of families, when they came to the house of the LORD that is in Jerusalem, made freewill offerings for the house of God, to erect it on its site. According to their ability they gave to the treasury of the work 61,000 darics of gold, 5,000 minas of silver, and 100 priests’ garments. Now the priests, the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants lived in their towns, and all the rest of Israel in their towns. (Ezra 2:1, 64-70  ESV)

 

"What's in a name?" is a famous line from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, meaning names are just arbitrary labels and don't define a person's true essence, like a rose still smelling sweet by any other name. However, while names can be just labels, they also carry meaning, heritage, expectations, and can even influence perception, so they can matter significantly, even if not defining intrinsic worth.

 

Some of you may remember that I have written about the change of my last name when my paternal grandfather immigrated to the United States. Originally it was spelled “Immiti.” The story is told that when he came in at Ellis Island, not being able to speak English well and asked for his name, the officials simply spelled it phonetically. Even today that has cause some confusion in mapping our family tree. Suffice it to say I hold that names are important.

 

Our reading today contains a long list of the names of Israelites who returned from exile. We know very little about most of them, but the Bible takes names seriously because they are connected to the God who knows their stories. These are people who remembered that they were exiled, and God brought them back to live as his people once again.

 

Ezra kept a careful record of the people who saw God’s faithfulness while they were under God’s judgment. They knew the story of God’s grace as he sustained them during the ordeal of exile. Every person had a story about God’s amazing faithfulness to tell to the next generation. Our names matter to God! Behind each name is a marvelous story of God’s faithfulness, forgiveness, and presence. Our names matter because we are under the Name that saves and redeems us for a greater purpose: the resurrected Jesus. In the name of Jesus, we have a new life, a sure hope, and a secure future. Everyone under the name of Jesus has their name written in the book of life!

 

Restored by the Hand of God

 

Then rose up the heads of the fathers’ houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up to rebuild the house of the LORD that is in Jerusalem. And all who were about them aided them with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, with beasts, and with costly wares, besides all that was freely offered. Cyrus the king also brought out the vessels of the house of the LORD that Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and placed in the house of his gods. Cyrus king of Persia brought these out in the charge of Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah. And this was the number of them: 30 basins of gold, 1,000 basins of silver, 29 censers, 30 bowls of gold, 410 bowls of silver, and 1,000 other vessels; all the vessels of gold and of silver were 5,400. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up, when the exiles were brought up from Babylonia to Jerusalem. (Ezra 1:5–11 ESV).

 

As we continue in the Book of Ezra, we come to a passage that tempts us to simply rush through it with an attitude of “So?” After all, does it really affect us today to know how much stuff the Israelites carried back to Jerusalem when they were released from their captivity? Well, the answer is both a “yes” and a “no”. No, it doesn’t matter how many basins, censers, bowls, or other vessels they recovered and took back to rebuild the Temple; and, yes, it matters when we understand the principle God is communicating in this story.

 

The Israelites probably thought their old valuables for temple worship had been destroyed long ago. But Nebuchadnezzar had placed the bowls, basins, and other items in the house of his god. And King Cyrus knew where they were. God had a backup plan for his keepsakes. The lost items were returned for use in the new temple.

 

Was Israel ready to build God’s house of worship? Yes. Were the priests excited to lead God’s people in worship? Absolutely! And King Cyrus was ready to give back the stolen items because he knew God had a greater plan at work: to restore his people and guide them back to putting the Lord first in their lives.

 

God always has a plan for restoring what we think was lost. Regardless of how far you believe you have gone away from God, He has not moved at all. His plan is being worked in your life for great good (cf. Romans 8:28). Trust in His plan and purpose. He will restore all of His children to His glory! After all, we are “under the good and of God”!

 

The Journey to Restoration

 

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of 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 king of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.” (Ezra 1:1–4 ESV).

 

It is easy to neglect the Old Testament, especially at this time of the year. However, there is so much to glean from the stories of God’s work of grace from Genesis to Malachi. Today we will begin in the Book of Ezra, ultimately taking the devotionals from both this book and Nehemiah. Context is important as we begin. When the temple in Jerusalem fell in 586 B.C., Israel’s identity and center as God’s dwelling place came to an end. It was a devastating loss. Both from the Assyrians and Babylonians, their captivity and generational loss were complete. Though Israel remained God’s special people, they had failed to live as he called them to, so God sent them into exile to lead them back to His purpose and path.

 

But God didn’t leave them to their own devices. He watched over them for 70 years and then brought them back. In the past God had used special leaders within Israel to point the people back to himself. But this time God appointed a Persian king to see that the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem would be rebuilt. Cyrus would not have been Israel’s first choice. But he was God’s choice, and he submitted to God’s will.

 

Isn’t it interesting to see the will and purpose of God at work for the good of His children? I have often been heard to say that “God can strike a straight blow with a crooked stick.” My intent is to communicate the truth that God can use even the most unlikely allies to bring us to himself. God uses people who are open to doing his will over their own.

 

More to the point of our look into these books is the truth that God’s desire is for us to follow the path of restoration. The past year may have been one of dashed relationships, torn dreams, and broken promises in your life. But God provides a way to give us new hope and life. His Son, Jesus, King of all kings, submitted to God’s will and gave his own life to pay for our sin. And today, as the risen Savior, he calls us back to God to enjoy full life with him. Be intentional to look for the hand of God, even in the most counter-intuitive experiences of your life. He delights to bring us good! Trust in Him alone!