Wednesday, 24 July 2019

Persevere

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Question of the day: What is so refreshing about Ezra 5-6?

Answer: Some trouble makers sought to do what they do best, cause trouble, but they were unsuccessful in their endeavors. The Bible refers to these men as "Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, Shetharbozenai, and their associates." They challenged the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). They wanted to know if it was being done legally.

After receiving their answer in Chapter 6, the work proceeded unimpaired. It seems like no matter what we try to do for God, there is always someone whispering (sometimes shouting), "Hey mister, you're doing it wrong."

Just as those building the Temple did not stop working while they waited to receive their answer, so we too should continue in our calling. This is risky. The answer could have come back that the authorization could not be found and the leaders of the building project should be put to death.

How long before speaking the truth of the gospel will be labeled hate speech by the courts? Why, not long at all. It's already happening. What are we going to do? Do we change the message of God? God forbid. May we instead take courage and be filled with the spirit, speaking with authority from on high.

Revelation 20:4 "Then I saw thrones, and people sat upon them—those to whom authority to judge was given. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Yeshua and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image, nor had they received his mark on their forehead or on their hand. And they came to life and reigned with the Messiah for a thousand years."