Ezra: The Lord HelpsSample

When I began full-time, paid ministry, I was rather taken aback by the opposition against the gospel. I was then given this wisdom: ‘Expect it, evaluate it, endure it.’ I’ve often recalled those words. Ezra 4 tells us the same. 

Verses 6–23 give us a glimpse into history – imagine brackets around them. ‘At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes’ (v. 6) opposition continued through a complaint being lodged. There is even more opposition in the reign of Artaxerxes (v. 7). Verses 8–23 then record the correspondence to and from King Artaxerxes. 

But the future events are inserted here to teach us that whenever we stand for the truth and get on with the building work of God, we will be opposed. Opposition persisted throughout the project to rebuild the temple, and we learn here three things about such opposition. 

First, expect people who actually hate each other to unite in their opposition against God’s people. The people who add their signature to the letter to King Artaxerxes come from many different nations, including Samaria (vv. 9–10). That shouldn’t surprise us because the Pharisees and the Herodians, though enemies, united in their hatred against Jesus (Mark 3:6). It will happen to us too. 

Second, expect inflammatory and exaggerated language to be used against God’s people. God’s holy city is described as ‘rebellious and wicked’ (v. 12). 

Third, expect people to spread vicious rumors about you. The suggested outcome in verse 3 has no substance but is put out there to worry the king. 

Above all, expect opposition because it all comes from the opposition – Satan himself. He is the Father of Lies. We get a hint that he’s behind all this in verse 6, where the Hebrew word for ‘accusation’ is ‘sitna’, closely related to Satan – the accuser. He will do everything he can to stop the gospel from spreading and the church from growing. 

At times, it might look as if he’s successful. Artaxerxes replies to the scurrilous letter by ordering that the Jews’ work on rebuilding the temple be halted until he looks into these accusations (vv. 18–22). The chapter concludes, ‘Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill’ (v. 24). 

It seems as if the opposition has won, but this is not the end of God’s building project any more than the death of Jesus was the end of God building His church. God’s purposes will be fulfilled, as we’ll see in the next chapters.

Reflection

How have you faced opposition in the past? How is your church experiencing opposition now? Pray the Lord would give you the right expectation and help you endure it, knowing that the opposition won’t win.