ERCC DEVOTIONAL (TEKAN) DAILY SPIRITUAL DIET; WEDNEDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER, 2023
TEXT: EZRA 4: 17 - 24.
SPIRITUAL FOCUS: THE LORD, THE JUST JUDGE.
Yesterday, during the study, we heard that a group of protesters, led by a mixed group, approached the ruler of Persia to stop the building of the Temple.
In today's reading, the king is deeply moved. King Artaxerxes did not know that the living God did what king wanted. He sent Rehun, the leader of the rulers of Palestine, to halt the construction of the Temple.
Since this was the intention of the enemies of the Jews and their God. Without delay Rehun obeys the king, the Jews are sad because they have nothing to do. Now it is up to them to stop the work and keep their eyes on God, and listen to what He has to do because they realize that the work is not theirs. It belongs to God.
This realization led them to report the matter to Him because they had nowhere to go to complain. This is what we should do whenever an authority comes to us to stop the work of the Lord. If the government is stronger than we are, it is not stronger than God the Creator.
We know that all governments and rulers who persecute the followers of Christ, God have the power to put an end to them. He did this with King Herod (Acts 12:22, 23), turning Nebuchadnezzar into a beast (Daniel 4: 31 - 33). We should not be afraid or terrified, but tell God what we want Him to do.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: God is my shield.
PRAYER: Lord God, thank You for being willing to answer my prayer in the name of Jesus, Amen.
EZRA 4: 17 - 24 (ESV).
17 The king sent an answer: “To Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe and the rest of their associates who live in Samaria and in the rest of the province Beyond the River, greeting. And now
18 the letter that you sent to us has been plainly read before me.
19 And I made a decree, and search has been made, and it has been found that this city from of old has risen against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made in it.
20 And mighty kings have been over Jerusalem, who ruled over the whole province Beyond the River, to whom tribute, custom, and toll were paid.
21 Therefore make a decree that these men be made to cease, and that this city be not rebuilt, until a decree is made by me.
22 And take care not to be slack in this matter. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the king?”
23 Then, when the copy of King Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their associates, they went in haste to the Jews at Jerusalem and by force and power made them cease.
24 Then the work on the house of God that is in Jerusalem stopped, and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
