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- Apr 25, 2006
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15 May 2007
Ezra 6:6-12
Now then, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, Shethar-Bozenai, and all the officers of that area, stay away from there. Do not bother the work on that Temple of God. Let the governor of the Jewish people and the older Jewish leaders rebuild this Temple where it was before.
Also, I order you to do this for those older leaders of the Jewish people who are building this Temple: The cost of the building is to be fully paid from the royal treasury, from taxes collected from Trans-Euphrates. Do this so the work will not stop. Give those people anything they need - young bulls, male sheep, or lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, or wheat, salt, wine, or olive oil. Give the priests in Jerusalem anything they ask for every day without fail. Then they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven, and they may pray for the life of the king and his sons.
Also, I give this order: If anyone changes this order, a wood beam is to be pulled from his house and driven through his body. Because of his crime, make his house a pile of ruins. God has chosen Jerusalem as the place he is to be worshipped. May he punish any king or person who tries to change this order and destroy this Temple.
I, Darius, have given this order. Let it be obeyed quickly and carefully.
Darius may be a heathen king but, like any good leader, he grasps the point quickly and acts decisively.
For Darius, this was all about the "God of heaven", and people offering sacrifices and praying to keep him on-side. Darius would have heard the story of his one-but-predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar, being forced to eat grass and humble pie for seven years (see Daniel 6). He didn't want to go the same way.
Do you believe that the things of God are good for the whole nation, not just for the church? If so, then what can you do to uphold them? Not in a bigoted, arrogant or judgemental way, but speaking the truth in love. Not jumping on bandwagons, but applying God's guidance to what is relevant.
Basic things like honesty at work; standing up for the weak; respect in relationships; common courtesy; giving time to those who need a listening ear; using our wealth for the good of others. I could name many more - what would you suggest?
These are all good biblical principles and difficult to argue against. But look around at what you see others (and yourself?) doing in practice. How can you use the wisdom God has given you for the benefit of your friends?
Lord God, thank you for the wisdom of your guidance. Help me to apply it to myself and to persuade my friends to follow it. Amen.
Written by James Archer
Ezra 6:6-12
Now then, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, Shethar-Bozenai, and all the officers of that area, stay away from there. Do not bother the work on that Temple of God. Let the governor of the Jewish people and the older Jewish leaders rebuild this Temple where it was before.
Also, I order you to do this for those older leaders of the Jewish people who are building this Temple: The cost of the building is to be fully paid from the royal treasury, from taxes collected from Trans-Euphrates. Do this so the work will not stop. Give those people anything they need - young bulls, male sheep, or lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, or wheat, salt, wine, or olive oil. Give the priests in Jerusalem anything they ask for every day without fail. Then they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven, and they may pray for the life of the king and his sons.
Also, I give this order: If anyone changes this order, a wood beam is to be pulled from his house and driven through his body. Because of his crime, make his house a pile of ruins. God has chosen Jerusalem as the place he is to be worshipped. May he punish any king or person who tries to change this order and destroy this Temple.
I, Darius, have given this order. Let it be obeyed quickly and carefully.
Darius may be a heathen king but, like any good leader, he grasps the point quickly and acts decisively.
For Darius, this was all about the "God of heaven", and people offering sacrifices and praying to keep him on-side. Darius would have heard the story of his one-but-predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar, being forced to eat grass and humble pie for seven years (see Daniel 6). He didn't want to go the same way.
Do you believe that the things of God are good for the whole nation, not just for the church? If so, then what can you do to uphold them? Not in a bigoted, arrogant or judgemental way, but speaking the truth in love. Not jumping on bandwagons, but applying God's guidance to what is relevant.
Basic things like honesty at work; standing up for the weak; respect in relationships; common courtesy; giving time to those who need a listening ear; using our wealth for the good of others. I could name many more - what would you suggest?
These are all good biblical principles and difficult to argue against. But look around at what you see others (and yourself?) doing in practice. How can you use the wisdom God has given you for the benefit of your friends?
Lord God, thank you for the wisdom of your guidance. Help me to apply it to myself and to persuade my friends to follow it. Amen.
Written by James Archer
