ERCC DEVOTIONAL (TEKAN) DAILY SPIRITUAL DIET; THURSDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER, 2023

TEXT: EZRA 5: 1 - 5.

SPIRITUAL FOCUS: CONSTRUCTION WORK BEGINS ON THE TEMPLE.

We have already heard how King Artaxerxes ordered the construction of the Temple to be halted. When that happened, the Jews were very worried because this is where they meet their God. 

In desperation they pleaded with God to demonstrate His power over this command. Leaders admonished and encouraged the people to get up and continue building. This upset the authorities so much that they asked the Jews, 

"Who gave you permission to build this Temple until you had finished building this wall?... Where are the names of those who are in this building....?" (verses 3 and 4). The Jews did not pay attention to these questions, they continued to work without fear because the Lord was with them. 

Therefore, the rulers could not take any action against them. Then these men wrote a letter to the king again. Brothers and sisters, let us take a lesson here, if we are not allowed to do the work of the Lord, we should tell the owner of the work. As we pray for encouragement, let us not be silent. 

Let us rise up and act, the Lord will act through our efforts. He will touch the hearts of the government officials; they will be terrified because the Almighty is working through us. 

Let us not be afraid, nether be dismayed, lest we be confounded: for in the Lord our we are more than conquerors.

*FOOD FOR THOUGHT:* The Lord is our strength.

*PRAYER:* Lord God, help me to do what pleases You in the name of Jesus, Amen.

                            *EZRA  5: 1 - 5 (KJV).*

1 Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.

2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.

3 At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?

4 Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building?

5 But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.