Then, because of the decree King Darius had sent, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates carried it out with diligence. So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zecahriah, a descendant of Iddo. They finished building the temple according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.
Ezra 6:13-14 NIV
Here we read of the diligent temple building, an effort that was completed in 516 BC. This temple building was finished due to the commands of the God of Israel and was not thwarted due to the decrees of three Persian Kings.
This building of the temple was a big project and required direction from God and multinational, or at least international, cooperation.
Think of big challenges in the world today. Consider that without God's guidance and international cooperation, those challenges have very little chance of being resolved. When man follows God's commands and there is international cooperation, then challenges have a much better chance of solution.
Darius decreed that individuals who did not follow his decree allowing completion of the temple should be impaled and have their home made into a pile of rubble. Darius was serious about his decree to allow the temple to be built.
We need to be serious about the 'temple' we have in Christ, who provides us with instruction and guidance. We need to lovingly show our seriousness to a world that has not seen the light. We need also to consider our daily actions as a part of temple, kingdom, or body (of Christ) building as we live our Christian lives.
How do you consider your daily activities as a part of building up the Body of Christ?
What kinds of activities might weaken the Body of Christ?
Pray for the Spirit to open your eyes, give you strength and courage to act to build up the Kingdom of God.
In Christ,
David P
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