"Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah opposed this, and Meshullam Shabbethai the Levite supporting them."

God was doing a wonderful work of calling out His people from a life of compromise. Yet we find opposition to what was being done from not only the people, but from some of the priests also. The Lord wanted a people set apart for Him, not because of exclusivity, or racial purity, but for His divine use and glory. The Messiah would eventually come from this people, but only if they didn't just blend off in a sea of the many nations. Yes, opposition comes on all fronts.

Pastor Russell

"But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the Lord our God....."

Time and time again, the Lord has shown His grace to not only the returning exiles, but to the many who went before them, and those that come after. Not only to the Jews, but also to the Christian church, who too have vacillated in their commitment and have gone astray, in an on again off again manner. Grace has abounded in God's great mercy and lovingkindness. It's this grace that truly changes everything, in the great love of Jesus Christ. Grace upon grace poured out on Gods people, and for this we are eternally grateful to our loving God.

Pastor Russell

Or do you think lightly the riches of His kindness and the forbearance patience , not knowing that the kindness of God brings you to repentance?

Paul asks a question of the reader in regards to the grace and mercy of God, and how we have been made recipients thereof. The reminder for us today, that we ought to regard others with this same grace and mercy.  Not winning the battle with the word, and losing the war, but extending the love of Jesus, and allowing the Spirit to bring about a true conviction and conversation.

Pastor Russell

"The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all who forsake Him."

Four times throughout the last few chapters of this book, the author, Ezra makes reference to the hand of the Lord. For the better part, it's always in regards to His grace, His direction, His provision, and now it's a comparison of those who seek Him, and those who forsake Him. Not a pretty picture of the God we seek and worship, yet truthful in the estimation of the writer, for those who reject Him. Continue to pray for those around us who reject the mercies o God, His favor and lovingkindness.

Pastor Russell

"Thus I was strengthened according to the hand of the Lord my God upon me,"

The fate of Jerusalem, the fate of Israel and its people, now lay squarely in the hand of Ezra. To one was entrusted the stewardship of the Lord to set the course of the return of the exiles. We were told earlier, that he was one who had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, to put it in practice, and to teach His statutes and ordinances. All this was to ensure the wellbeing of God's people, and His desire that they would be a people whose lives were lived for Him. So too, in NT times, the love of Jesus Christ places us in the realm, where our lives are trusting that the hand of the Lord God is upon us.

Pastor Russell

"This Ezra went up from Babylon, and he was a scribe skilled, in the law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given; and the king granted him all he requested because the hand of the Lord was upon him."

When we looked at some of the men responsible for the exile return to Jerusalem, and the rebuilding of the temple, we saw men of God like Zerubbabel, a true prince of Israel. Then there was Zechariah, son of Iddo who was a true prophet and scholar, his own writings studied by Ezra. Then Ezra himself, one who hid away in his heart of the scholarly works of antiquity that reinforced his wisdom and knowledge, and granted to him a communion and favor that extended to the heathen king. God truly had a plan for Israel, for a hope and a future that has brought them into the 21st century. Like the Jews, He has plans for good, for each and every one of His kids.

Pastor Russell

"And the sons of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy."

The on again off again project to rebuild was finally completed. Now a great celebration took place, hallmarked with great joy and offerings. Much as for the child of God, we, the temple of the Holy Spirit, He fills us, we have great joy, but now the real worship takes place, as we daily pick up our crosses and daily follow after Him. Moment by moment, day by day we make a conscious choice for the Lord. Hopefully, we're all in for the duration, not turning to the right or the left, but on course with Him.

Pastor Russell

"it shall be given to them daily, without fail, that they may offer acceptable sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons."
 
The heathen king Darius, was quick to provide for all the necessary offerings for the Lord's altar, that sweet smelling sacrifices could be made. But he was even quicker to add one more thing, that they would pray for the king and for his sons. He was no fool to discount the God of the Jews, but instead sought all the favor and blessing He would afford them, recognizing that in Him was the ability to bless and keep. How much more should we His children, continue to seek Him and all He has for us.

Pastor Russell

"The prophets, Haggai the prophet and Zachariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them"

Urged on by the prophets to continue in the rebuilding of the temple, the Jews proceeded with zeal, undaunted by the continual attack of the enemy. With new found insight, telling them they were not just constructing the temple, but building a future. Little did they realize, that what they did then, would bring eternal dividends in the hearts and lives of many. As it is today, being faithful to what we have been called to, may reap eternal blessings in the hearts and lives of many.

Pastor Russell

They approached Zerubabel, and the heads of the fathers' households, and said to them, "Let us build with you, for we are like you....."

As the work continued on the temple of God in Jerusalem, the enemy cleverly crept in, likening themselves to the children of Israel, and sought to join in the work. The enemy is like that at times, seeking to endear themselves to the child of God, yet their real desire is to stymie His work. Seeing through the ploy, the workers would go on building, but would face challenges such as discouragement, fear and frustration along the course. Sounds at times, very similar to what we go through, yet the love of Jesus Christ urges us on in Him.

Pastor Russell

"And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid."

We glean a great precept of the God here, when we build upon a firm foundation, brick by brick, course by course, the house rises, or in our case the church. Steady, firmly planted not upon sand or shifting fill, but upon a solid Rock, immoveable. When our foundation is Christ, we can shout for joy, for He is our firm foundation.

Pastor Russell

"Now these are the people of the province who came out of the captivity........."

It's interesting to note that the Lord has a great interest in those who serve Him wholeheartedly, without reservation or hesitation. As he called His people out of captivity in Babylon, those who stepped out in obedience and faith will always be remembered. Though the list of names and places have no rhyme or reason to most, its important to remember how God knew every work, every step, every deed as done unto Him and His ultimate glory. None too big or small, just as important to Him. May we too be counted faithful, as unto Him as we move and minister in these last days.

Pastor Russell