ERCC DEVOTIONAL (TEKAN) DAILY SPIRITUAL DIET; TUESDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER, 2023

TEXT: EZRA 4: 6 - 16.

SPIRITUAL FOCUS: WE TRUST IN GOD.

Yesterday in the reading, we heard how the Jews refused to allow a mixed multitude to join them in the construction of the Temple meant to worship their God. The people, out of anger, tried to stop the Jews from continuing the work. 

They wrote to the king. Persia's letter to the Jews, because King Cyrus was no longer King. The letter is full of words to provoke the king. Not only that, they set up witnesses to bring false testimony against the Jews in order to prevent them from building the Temple. 

Even today in many parts of the world there are such people who always serve as bad wheel to stop the work of God. They raised false accusations in order to prevent the followers of Christ from building places of worship. This is of course, out of hatred. Sadly, some leaders who have this kind of hatred against the Church, see themselves as doing good or helping God. 

They have forgotten that the day is coming when they will have to render an account of their deeds to the Almighty, whose judgment is without appeal. Therefore, brethren, whenever we are faced with a situation like this, let us send firm, let us not be afraid, let's pray that God will separate us from the tyrants. Let us have faith, perseverance, and hope in the Lord who does not discriminate or is selfish. 

He promises that whoever trusts in Him will not be disappointed or disgraced (Deuteronomy 31: 6). Everything he said, will come true.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: God does Is the shield of those who fear Him.

PRAYER: Lord God, I beseech You to protect me from the wicked, to do Your will alone in my life for the sake of Christ Jesus, Amen.

                         EZRA 4: 6 - 16 (NIV).

6 At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, they lodged an accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

7 And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. The letter was written in Aramaic script and in the Aramaic language.[d]

8 Rehum the commanding officer and Shimshai the secretary wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows:

9 Rehum the commanding officer and Shimshai the secretary, together with the rest of their associates—the judges, officials and administrators over the people from Persia, Uruk and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa,

10 and the other people whom the great and honorable Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the city of Samaria and elsewhere in Trans-Euphrates.

11 (This is a copy of the letter they sent him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants in Trans-Euphrates:

12 The king should know that the people who came up to us from you have gone to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring the walls and repairing the foundations.

13 Furthermore, the king should know that if this city is built and its walls are restored, no more taxes, tribute or duty will be paid, and eventually the royal revenues will suffer.

14 Now since we are under obligation to the palace and it is not proper for us to see the king dishonored, we are sending this message to inform the king,

15 so that a search may be made in the archives of your predecessors. In these records you will find that this city is a rebellious city, troublesome to kings and provinces, a place with a long history of sedition. That is why this city was destroyed.

16 We inform the king that if this city is built and its walls are restored, you will be left with nothing in Trans-Euphrates.