The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in Ezra 4:13,
These officials did not want their authority, their control, and the revenue they themselves received threatened by the returning Jews. However, it is apparent the spiritual forces of darkness did not want to see the Lord in pursuit of preparing the stage for the arrival of his Son, Jesus Christ, at the appointed time. The rebuilding of Jerusalem, the temple and the restoration of the temple worship were all steps to setting the stage for what would take place following the birth of the Son of Joseph and Mary.
The misdirection provided by these officials is pretty transparent. They attempted to persuade the King by appealing to the expected loss of revenue to the royal coffers. The true interests of the officials held little, if any, concern for the King's revenue. Deception and deceit are the hallmarks of "Team Cain" as it resisted the intentions of the Lord. I am quite certain it is this reality that prompted Jesus Christ this admonition to his followers: "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard..." Matthew 10:16-17.
The direction of our Savior is as important today as has ever been! Just look at the deception and deceit all about us today...
"Furthermore, the king should know that if this city is built and its walls are restored, no more taxes, tribute or duty will be paid, and eventually the royal revenues will suffer."
The surrounding peoples resisted the Jews who returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. It is clear the Lord had intentions to bring the remnant of Jews back to their homeland to reestablish the city, the temple and the temple worship, As they set themselves to the task, they encountered resistance from the Trans-Euphrates officials who had been controlling the area. The above verse is a part of a letter sent to King Artaxerxes in an effort to stop the Jews.These officials did not want their authority, their control, and the revenue they themselves received threatened by the returning Jews. However, it is apparent the spiritual forces of darkness did not want to see the Lord in pursuit of preparing the stage for the arrival of his Son, Jesus Christ, at the appointed time. The rebuilding of Jerusalem, the temple and the restoration of the temple worship were all steps to setting the stage for what would take place following the birth of the Son of Joseph and Mary.
The misdirection provided by these officials is pretty transparent. They attempted to persuade the King by appealing to the expected loss of revenue to the royal coffers. The true interests of the officials held little, if any, concern for the King's revenue. Deception and deceit are the hallmarks of "Team Cain" as it resisted the intentions of the Lord. I am quite certain it is this reality that prompted Jesus Christ this admonition to his followers: "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard..." Matthew 10:16-17.
The direction of our Savior is as important today as has ever been! Just look at the deception and deceit all about us today...
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
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If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
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