Ezra: The Lord HelpsSample

It’s fascinating how people show their true colors when we’re definite about the gospel. 

Ezra 4 began with people offering to help build the temple. When Zerubbabel rightly declines their offer and refuses to work with them because they do not believe in the one, unique way to God, they turn nasty. This is first through discouragement and trying to frighten gospel workers (v. 4), then finally by trying to get others to gang up and frustrate gospel ministry (v. 5). 

When we refuse to compromise on the uniqueness of Christ and His cross, the very people who say they are with us declare their hand by working against us. We can expect this opposition to be relentless when we are pursuing gospel ministry. Rather than encourage us in our gospel-building plans, they’ll put obstacles in our way and frustrate plans to plant churches and train gospel leaders. They’ll try to frighten us with all manner of threats. They’ll get others to join in their opposition, which will keep coming. 

In verses 4 and 5, there are three participles indicating continuing action. It could be translated that they kept on discouraging the people, they kept on frightening them and they kept on hiring counselors to work against them. 

But it’s not just the grammar that tells us of the relentless nature of the opposition. The rest of the chapter does too: opposition successfully halted the building project for fifteen years – ‘during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia’ (v. 5).

Reflection

Think about the times when opposition has come your way because you’ve stood up for the gospel. Realize that’s normal. Ask the Lord to strengthen you so that you do not cave in or compromise. Ask Him to give you the courage to stand against discouragement, threats, and any number of people against you.