Ezra 4:1 When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God is Israel….
The commentary on this chapter gave me some background on Samaritans, their history, their relationship with the Jews, which I found fascinating. But my primary feeling while reading this chapter was anger, outrage. How dare they?!? Who did they think they were?!?
Ezra 4:4 Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building.
However, just yesterday, I was reminded of the amazing way our Savior works, through untenable situations, through bizarre situations, through situations that seem like a fluke. He is at work. He can bring good from those situations. IF we are faithful.
Ezra 4:5 They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that You are at work, that the worst thing is never the last thing, that anger and outrage, impotent fury, can be incredibly dangerous. Thank You for the ability to step back from these toxic emotions and to see that You are still in control, still working things for our good and Your glory. Draw us closer. Help us reside in Your peace. Amen.
Ezra 4:24 Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Have a blessed day