EZRA 4:1-5
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)
Living out a heart that is stirred by God is not only an impossible task, humanly speaking; it is also not without any opposition. Ezra and the rest of the leaders were opposed by both enemies from without and within. Somehow, GOD, in His grace, guides those whose hearts He stirs to have thick skin and a wise heart!
Zerubbabel and his team responded and reacted in a godly manner. Let us ponder and pray that while we are informed by history, we shall also be influenced by the timeless lessons tucked along with it. We see the model of wisdom applied in unique and difficult situations. We also learn that time and long waits are critical issues. Oppositions from enemies do not disappear overnight, and that no leader survives alone—he needs to connect with others. There are no hard and fast formula and tested strategies, yet there is the factor of God’s deliverance intertwined within the background of defeat and captivity. We see here a generic response to the opposition of the rebuilding of the temple. They had a CORPORATE EXERCISE OF DISCERNMENT OVER A CONVINCING PROPOSAL. Their enemy projected friendliness before they showed their true colours. What's remarkable is that Zerubbabel, Jeshua and the leaders of Israel were one in saying No! The corporate exercise of discernment is a gift from God nurtured by attending to the Presence of God...and when this happens as a lifestyle, we see what the Priorities of God are. Thus, a firm decision is made even before an offer is made.
They had a clear line of distinction regarding partnerships. It was not disrespect for other people; it was wisely choosing which ones to allow inside their circle of influence. There is a big difference between people who fear God and those who don’t. Intentions are in collision and integrity is at stake. Without being prejudiced, we need to see the character of the one giving the proposal more than the tempting offer. We need to read between the lines and hear the unspoken; seeing the bigger picture of God's purpose over our personal agenda. Maintaining a concrete distance from the politics of power, Israel chose godly leadership. In any organisation, everything is about leadership. Show me the leader and I see the whole picture. They also had guided followers...not blind and numb. The people were equipped to know the difference and were empowered to be free and to live free. They distanced themselves from the powerful bullies because they had clear and grounded boundaries! Lines were clearly drawn and decisions consistently made.
Zerubbabel and his fellow leaders guided the people by staying focused on what God wanted. They were people of faith even in a very unsettling time. They were people of prayer and that gave them inner strength to wait...it also led them to be people of blazing hope...seeing God as being larger than themselves!
They saw the bigger picture... their limitations . . . and were alert for opportunities! Kings reigned and died—their tenacity was admirable! They believed God and got along with each other! The enemy may have had temporary success, yet ultimately, they were vindicated by the Sovereignty of God!
Reactions and responses are very revealing of something unscripted! It shows how deep the roots of faith and how fervent the cries for help are and how deep the devotion to the cause of God is! One thing is clear . . . proximity to the Wise One is an exercise of wisdom. Drifting from the long process of faith breeds selective exercise of spirituality resulting in an unrestrained compromise of what is godly!
How do we handle opposition with godliness? By God's guidance and grace our focus and faith remains on God. We learn to listen to God and live above those who are obstacles to God's will...learning to Be still and know that He is God! Thanks for taking time to read. Straight from my heart, I write.