How does Ezra 6:7 encourage respecting God's work in rebuilding His temple today? Context of Ezra 6:7 “Leave the work on this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site.” (Ezra 6:7) • After years of opposition, King Darius’ decree finally protects the temple project. • The verse addresses Tattenai and regional officials who had tried to halt the construction (Ezra 5:3–5). • God uses a pagan ruler to safeguard His purposes, underscoring His absolute sovereignty. The King’s Command: “Leave the Work Alone” • Hands off—no interference with what God has ordained. • Resources on—royal funds are ordered to underwrite the project (Ezra 6:8 ff.). • Authority recognized—the Jewish leaders are affirmed as legitimate overseers of God’s house. Timeless Principles We Can Apply 1. God’s projects carry divine protection (Isaiah 54:17). 2. Civil authority is ultimately subject to Him (Proverbs 21:1). 3. Obstructing God’s house invites His discipline (1 Corinthians 3:17). Respecting God’s Present-Day Temple • Jesus is the cornerstone; believers are “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5). • The gathered church is “a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22). • Individual bodies are temples as well (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Ezra 6:7 urges us to honor each expression of God’s dwelling, whether congregational or personal. Practical Ways to Honor the Building Work Today • Support your local congregation—time, talent, treasure. • Encourage spiritual growth in fellow believers; speak words that build (Ephesians 4:29). • Maintain personal holiness, keeping your body as God’s temple. • Pray for and cooperate with church leadership instead of hindering them (Hebrews 13:17). Cautions Against Hindering the Work • Gossip, divisiveness, and apathy mimic Tattenai’s resistance. • Neglecting regular fellowship strips resources from the “building site” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Treating worship casually diminishes the holiness of God’s house (Malachi 1:6-8). Encouragement and Assurance • What God starts, He finishes: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion” (Philippians 1:6). • Opposition cannot derail His plans: “The counsel of the LORD stands forever” (Psalm 33:11). • When we honor His temple, we participate in a work that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). |
    |