Ezra 4:17-24
Zerubbabel
and the Israelites had been flying high down the highway of life since their
return to Jerusalem. After 70 years in exile, they were sent off by the
proclamation of Cyrus, King of Persia, to return to their homeland. Almost
50,000 strong, they were given the resources needed to rebuild the Temple by
those Jews who didn’t return. Even Cyrus himself donated some items.
First
the Jews rebuilt the Temple altar in the exact same location as the original
one. This was followed by many sacrifices as they celebrated the Feast of
Tabernacles. It was a reminder of God’s faithfulness that had been shown to the
Israelites who had followed Moses to the Promised Land. What a celebration this
must have been!
Following
this was the beginning of the construction of the Temple. When the foundation
had been laid there was another great celebration in the manner ordained by
David. The people of Israel, God’s chosen people, had returned to His Promised
Land to take what was rightfully theirs. Everyone was on a spiritual high.
Then
- BAM! There’s a roadblock!
The
local authorities had sent a letter to the new king, King Artaxerxes,
suggesting that he research the ancient records to see just how rebellious the
people of Israel had been in the past, and what a risk it would be to let them
finish rebuilding the Temple. As a result, Artaxerxes wrote back to have them
stop the construction immediately.
The
Jews were stunned, and indeed, they stopped the construction. In fact, for the
next 16 years they didn’t lift a hammer to rebuild the Temple. What happened to
their faith? What happened to their excitement? What happened to their
spiritual high? All were gone!
Life
has a way of doing that to you doesn’t it? Everything can be going along fine
and then - BAM! Life happens. Maybe you lose your job; a relationship falls
apart; a secret sin comes to light; or a loved one dies suddenly.
Thankfully,
we have a God who understands. His Son Jesus faced every possible roadblock
with love and grace. And now he is here for us no matter what we face.
Therefore, “Let us then approach
God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find
grace to help us in our time of
need.” To help us when we are confronted by an unexpected Roadblock.
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