What role does faith play in confronting authority, as seen in Ezra 5:3? Setting the Scene • Ezra 5:3: “At that time Tattenai, governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates came to them and asked, ‘Who gave you the decree to rebuild this temple and to finish this structure?’” • A pagan governor confronts Jewish builders who have resumed God-ordained work on the temple. • No human paperwork is in hand; their authority is God’s earlier decree through Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4). Faith Ignites Obedience • The builders act because God’s Word through the prophets Haggai and Zechariah has reignited their resolve (Ezra 5:1-2). • Faith accepts God’s command as sufficient authority, even when imperial approval seems absent. • Hebrews 11:1 affirms that such confidence rests on the unseen yet certain promise of God. Faith Faces Earthly Authority • Earthly officials challenge the project, but “the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews” (Ezra 5:5). • Faith refuses panic, trusting divine oversight to restrain hostile power until God’s purpose is accomplished. Faith Rests on God’s Sovereign Oversight • The builders continue working while the inquiry goes to King Darius (Ezra 5:5-17). • Faith anticipates that the same God who stirred Cyrus will move Darius, and He does: Darius confirms the decree and funds the work (Ezra 6:6-12). • Proverbs 21:1: “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.” Faith Inspires Respectful Courage • The Jews answer Tattenai with facts, not defiance (Ezra 5:11-16). • Key traits faith produces when confronting authority: – Confidence rooted in Scripture’s clear command – Calm testimony to past acts of God – Respectful speech that avoids needless provocation – Perseverance until God’s verdict is revealed Faith Echoes Throughout Scripture • Daniel 3:17-18—three Hebrews stand before King Nebuchadnezzar, confident God can deliver. • Daniel 6:10—Daniel prays despite a royal edict. • Acts 5:29—apostles before the Sanhedrin: “We must obey God rather than men.” • Each account mirrors Ezra 5: faith compels obedience to God while entrusting outcomes to His sovereign hand. Personal Takeaways • God’s commands carry ultimate authority; faith clings to them when human powers object. • Confrontations with authority are met not with rebellion but with steadfast, respectful witness. • Trust that God’s unseen oversight can overrule earthly rulers, turning opposition into endorsement. |
    |