After 70 long years the people of God were released from the Babylonian captivity, now they wanted to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple (their place of worship) which was destroyed, but they were met with opposition.  Ezra writes, “Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah.  They troubled them in building, and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose…” (cf. Ezra 4: 4-5)   They had laid the foundation of the house of the LORD, to only be met with resistance and opposition.  They could have said, “enough is enough” and “threw in the towel!”  Yes, the building was delayed and even stopped momentarily.  Even though their enemies tried to discourage them, cause them trouble and try to frustrate them, they would not give up on the purposes of their God.  They had that ‘mindset’ that all of God’s people are to have - “…for if this plan or work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if is of God, you cannot overthrow it - lest you even be found to fight against God.” 

(cf. Acts 5: 38-39)   We all at times are discouraged.  We all at times encounter trouble and get frustrated, but that should not keep us from moving forward!  Let us petition our Savior and Lord, and cry out with confidence - “LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude.  O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!”  (cf. 2 Chronicles 14: 11)

And all God’s people said, “AMEN!” and “AMEN!”

In His Service,

Pastor Rodney