Text: Ezra 6:1-22
The people of God now have the Persian King supporting their work. He even ordered tax money and foreign supplies be contributed to the effort. King Darius probably was not a believer in Yahweh. It is likely that being kind to Jerusalem was just a political strategy (v.10). But Darius’ thinking doesn’t really matter. God is using him for the good of His people, just as the hatred of Joseph’s brothers was a tool God used for the good of His people (Gen.50:20).
All things and all people are created by God and owned by Him. He does with them whatever He determines is good for His people and for His glory. This is what God said through Prophet Zechariah, that the wealth of the nations would come to the people (Zech.14:14). We should not expect that the government of Uganda will support the Church. The Church (i.e., the people of Christ) is responsible to support herself (1 Tim.5:17-18). But God is showing here that He is Lord over everything, and His people need not be afraid. When a man’s ways please Yahweh, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him (Prov.16:7).
Meditate on verses 3-4. What is God teaching you in theses verses?
Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, thank You for the wonderful
plans You have for the church that no one can remove. Amen.