Working In Unity, In Step With The Lord
(Liana Seah, Chairperson, BeTween Ministry)
READ:
OBSERVE:
Ezra 5:1-5 – Now Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the prophet, a descendant of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. 2 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.
3 At that time Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates went to them and asked, “Who authorised you to rebuild this temple and to finish it?” 4 They[a] also asked, “What are the names of those who are constructing this building?” 5 But the eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written reply be received.
The rest of the chapter tells us that neighbouring governors escalated the matter to King Darius to stop the Jews from re-building the temple.
APPLY
The Israelites faced many challenges and oppositions when they tried to rebuild the temple. The leaders were following God’s words through the prophets. Prophets, a governor, and a priest worked in unity to lead the people and to bring glory and honour to the Lord.
Two phrases above spoke to me:
2b: And the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.
5b: But the eye of their God was watching over the elders.
God’s eyes were watching over the elders, and they were not stopped. God made it possible and controlled the timing of the turn of events.
Even as we do God’s work, it is very important that we work in step with the Lord and yield to Him and His good timing. We can’t take the wheel and move ahead of God. At times, we must patiently and humbly work through the challenges thrown at us. In those times, we continue to submit our petition and work together in unity and humility.
DO
If I’m honest, I am a little daunted thinking about the new year. With two of my children taking PSLE and A level this year, I’m preparing myself for an intense year at home. At work, I have new targets and goals that come with new responsibilities. In ministry, we have our hands full, and we are still short of people while a new group of tweens is coming very shortly. On top of all these, uncertainty around the Covid-19 situation remains.
Reading this passage, I am reminded of God’s sovereignty. Nothing happens unless He allows it to. I can’t see what’s ahead of me and I can’t control the outcome, but I am a child of God who is all powerful, all present and all loving. Therefore, I will commit everything we do and continue to put Him at the centre of our lives. He will guide us each step of the way. It gives me assurance that as we give Him our best, He will do the rest.
He has shown His grace and His provision again and again. I will not be anxious and will trust Him even at times when I can’t comprehend the situation.
PRAY
Our Father in Heaven, I want to commit our days ahead into Your hands. May Your perfect will be done in our lives. Grant us peace and hope that only You can give. Teach us to hear You and be always in step with You. Remind us to look to You when worries creep up.
Father, I pray for the young ones in our midst. Draw each one of them closer to You each day. I pray for Your favour and Your peace to guard their hearts as they start the new year. For those starting in a new school, grant them godly friendships along the way. For those preparing for major exams, I pray for Your favour and Your peace to guard their hearts. For those in leadership positions, grant them Your wisdom and humility that they can be servant leaders. For those called up to serve in the army, I pray for your protection and strength. I pray that in all situations, they see Your hands in their lives causing their faith to increase.
We praise You for You are our all-present, all-powerful and all-loving God. Amen.
