Ezra 6
7 Let the work of this house of God alone;
let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God
in his place. 8 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of
these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods,
even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these
men, that they be not hindered. 9 And that which they have need of, both young
bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven,
wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which
are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail: 10 That they
may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the
life of the king, and of his sons. 11 Also I have made a decree, that whosoever
shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set
up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
12 And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and
people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God
which is at Jerusalem.
I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.
Have you ever had a package get lost in the mail? Someone had
to find it and trace it down. This is how it was with the king's decree. There
were people who wanted to stop the work to rebuild the house of God. Tatnai,
the governor, in chapter 5 questioned the authority to build. It would be
something similar to a building permit for us today. He knew they couldn't
build anything including the house of God without a decree. They searched for
it and finally found it in the house of rolls. The king's decree was law.
Remember we have the right to build our own spiritual house even though society
at large has a sour look at it. The Apostle Peter said he had to obey God
rather than man. We have the authority to be a Christian. We have the authority
to have our church.
In verse 7 the decree said to let the work alone–this was even before the
house was being built. For everyone who didn't want it, they had to leave it
alone. He told them when they got back to Jerusalem
don't sit back and say it might be better to do it another way. Cyrus said it
was to be built as originally planned. It's laid out; leave it alone. We get in
trouble when we try to force God. We cannot make success; we have to let God
work. Let him work how he wants. There is no my way or the highway. It's God's
way! It's what he wants. God is still in charge of the house of God.
Sometimes the best way to work is get out of his way.
It was the responsibility of the Jews to the house. They were to take their own
place and fulfill their role in the rebuilding. In the right place they were
able to work together. Where God has put us is where we are to work. It is our
responsibility to fulfill our role. No one was more important then, and no one
is now. If everyone works in their place, God can work in his.
Verse 8 says the expenses will be supplied, whatever the cost. There is a cost
for us to live for the Lord. It's not just a financial cost. Jesus gave his all
for us. For success, we have to pay the price, count the cost. It can
never cost too much time, effort or anxiety. Whatever the cost, it is worth it.
We get back in abundance what we have put into it.
Verses 9-10 says the house of God must be built in the way that promotes
worship. They were to worship God they way God said. The king even said for
them to pray for him. It was to function right again. Everyone is again to be
in their place in the worship. We have that as well. To make it work, we must
do it how God says it must be done. God has decreed the function; if we just
sit here and do nothing, we'll get nothing. We should participate in the worship,
singing and praying. Pray for the lost and each other. We need to open and
listen to God's word. Giving of ourselves is the only way to make it work for
us. We get out of church what we put into it. It's up to you and me. We can
offer encouragement to others. In one hour's time a lot can happen.
Verses 11-12 say to let his house and his word not be altered.
"Altered" is used twice and serves as a warning to those who might be
a hindrance. Do not be a hindrance to the house of the Lord. Do not alter the way
of God. In a world of day-to-day change, do not alter God and his house. Slowly
we see this happening, but there is a stern warning to not allow it.
Verse 12 also says to let it be done with speed. When are we planning to be revived?
When are we planning to witness? When are we planning to get more involved in
church? This is a tall order from our King, but in essence he says get 'r
done! We say we'll get around to it one of these days. Do it now!
Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. What can you do
today? There is plenty. Stay on top of it. Don't get behind. LET'S
GET 'R DONE!
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 