Today's Reading: Ezra 1-6

Ezra 6:14 (ESV) "And the elders of the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia."

There is something special about going home. It is familiar. It is where we belong. And for the Israelites returning from exile, the ache in their hearts longing for their return home overwhelmed their weary souls.

But home was not like it was when they left. And restoration seemed impossible.

In Ezra 1-6, the story unfolds with God's people returning home and God making a way for them to rebuild the temple.

God Himself had opened the door for Israel to return home. The Lord gave favor and stirred the spirit of King Cyrus to issue a proclamation that the people of God would build the temple. (Ezra 1:1; 6:22) The King even paid for it to happen. (Ezra 6:4) What was stolen by King Nebuchadnezzar was returned. (Ezra 6:5) And the edict fulfilled the promise spoken through Jeremiah that the exiles would return in 70 years. (Jeremiah 29:10)

God was at work. He moved in the hearts of kings to work His will. (Proverbs 21:1) And He spoke through prophets to encourage the people. (Ezra 6:14)

But the process would not be easy.

Sometimes we think our rescue should look a certain way, and we can become disillusioned. But God cares so much more about the process than just the outcome. There were many obstacles that stood in the way of completing the temple. God's people were afraid of the people in the land who discouraged them and falsely accused them to the point that the work was stopped. (Ezra 3:3; 4:4; 4:6)

But obstacles cannot thwart the purposes of God. When we encourage one another in the Lord, we can overcome obstacles together. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

At the decree of God, the prophets equipped the temple builders with God's Word, dispelling the enemy's attacks and enabling the prophets to flourish even in the midst of strife. (Ezra 5:1-2; 6:14)

In the face of opposition, God's people worshiped. (Ezra 3:11) They continued to build until it was finished. (Ezra 6:14) And God was with them. (Ezra 5:5)

God has called us to work, too. What He has decreed will be, and He will enable us to complete it. This gives us hope when things seem impossible.

What is the rescue for which you long? God's people thought the temple was their rescue, but it was an encounter with God in the process of building the temple that restored them to their God.

Even good things can become a stumbling block. God's people would be tempted to idolize the temple and make it their rescue. About 500 years after the temple was built, Christ told the Jewish people that once again the temple would be destroyed. (Luke 21:5-6)

God's rescue was certain, but a temporary temple was not the rescue God had in mind. (Isaiah 56:5)

No more temporary temples and no more separation from God's presence, for God dwells within each of us by our faith in Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) Our rescue is not in things. God is our rescue. (Psalm 91:14-15)

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for being my rescue. When obstacles and discouragements rise in my life, help me to trust in Your plan and Your ability to deliver me. Help me to not long for rescue in anything or anyone other than You. I know Your purposes are always good, and even when I don't like the process, I know You are making progress for my good and Your glory in it all. I pray these things in Jesus' name, amen.