Ezra 5:17
“And now, if it pleases the king, let a search be conducted in the king’s treasure house, which is there in Babylon, as to whether a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild this house of God in Jerusalem; and let the king send to us his decision concerning this matter.”
The previous entry had the king stopping the work. The inhabitants of the land complained to the king saying, “This is a rebellious people. If their temple is rebuilt, then they will cause further trouble”. He believed them and put a stop to the work. Zerrubabel picked up the work again and the complainers came back. I got the feeling time had passed in which there was no work done.
Now the complainers returned. Zerrubabel wrote to the king referring back to when king Cyrus issued the decree. It’s as if the king that stopped the work wasn’t aware of Cyrus’ orders. What prompted Cyrus to write the decree was God’s prophecy written well before Cyrus was born.
The lesson I draw from this is that we rely on God’s Word. The world and the worldly minded will disagree and mock. We aren’t to worry about that. We are to obey His Word.
The bible advocates government and a christian’s support of it. It brings about peaceful societies. However, these governments are to be subservient to the bible. We are to obey God rather than man. Acts 5:28,29 has a great example, ‘saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this Man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”‘
A few years ago people were arrested for protesting outside an abortion clinic. I’m not sure where that stands.
Lord, give us courage to obey You. Help our society make laws that respect You and Your Word.