How can we support God's work, inspired by the leaders' example in Ezra 6:14? Setting the Scene in Ezra 6:14 “So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished the building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes kings of Persia.” (Ezra 6:14) Key Insights from the Leaders’ Example • They listened to God’s prophetic word through Haggai and Zechariah (cf. Haggai 1:12–14; Zechariah 4:6). • They obeyed divine commands first, then cooperated with civil authority—King Cyrus’ decree began the work, and Darius and Artaxerxes affirmed it. • They persevered until the temple was finished, illustrating that true support endures to completion (Philippians 1:6). • Their unity—elders, prophets, people, and even foreign kings—shows God can move many parties to accomplish His purpose (Proverbs 21:1). Practical Ways We Can Support God’s Work Today 1. Submit to the Word • Regularly place ourselves under sound preaching and teaching, just as the elders thrived “under the preaching of Haggai…and Zechariah.” • Measure every decision by Scripture (Psalm 119:105). 2. Obey Promptly • When God’s command is clear, act without delay (James 1:22). • Small obediences—giving, serving, encouraging—accumulate into major kingdom advances. 3. Partner with God-Ordained Authority • Pray for and cooperate with governmental leaders so that doors stay open for gospel work (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Respect church leadership, enabling them to labor “with joy and not with groaning” (Hebrews 13:17). 4. Give Generously • Cyrus released resources for the temple; we release resources for the church’s mission (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Include time, talents, and treasure—everything is stewardship. 5. Persevere to Completion • Seek grace to finish what we start—ministries, commitments, buildings—so God’s name is honored (Luke 14:28-30). • Encourage one another daily to avoid fatigue and discouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). 6. Celebrate God’s Faithfulness • When milestones are reached, pause to acknowledge His hand, just as the elders could point to both “the command of the God of Israel” and the royal decrees. • Testimonies fuel future faith (Psalm 96:3). Living It Out Supporting God’s work is not a one-time act but a lifestyle: hearing His Word, obeying immediately, aligning with rightful authority, giving sacrificially, persevering faithfully, and celebrating His victories. The elders in Ezra model how ordinary believers, prophets, and even kings can unite so that God’s house—whether a physical building or the living church—stands completed for His glory. |
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