A Royal Decree

Read Ezra 4:6-6
 
Ezra 6:8 “Moreover, I hereby decree that you are to help these elders of the Jews as they rebuild this Temple of God. You must pay the full construction costs, without delay, from my taxes collected in the province west of the Euphrates River, so that the work will not be interrupted.”
 
A decree is an order. It must be obeyed. We will learn more of the unstoppable decree in the Persian culture in Esther’s story. Such an order from Persia’s leaders could be bad or good for the empire’s citizens. This good decree came from King Darius, a successor to King Cyrus, to confirm the Jews could rebuild the Temple, and Persia would pay for it!
   Today’s entire reading is another view of culture versus God’s kingdom. You might even see it as the government against the church. Although Cyrus had first permitted the Jews to return and rebuild their Temple, the local governors of Judah and surrounding territories objected. When Cyrus died, they stopped the work, concerned that a new Temple and Jerusalem would be a threat to peace.
   The Jews’ leaders, though, knew they had Persian’s law on their side. The good records in Persia’s government revealed Cyrus’ original permission and help for the Jews. The earlier decree could not be undone. The Jews could continue, and Persia would even help pay for the rebuilding! This should teach us to stand on the law when people persecute the church.
   The King of Kings has decreed a task for you. Remember, Jesus issued some decrees: 1) Matthew 16:18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” 2) John 2:19 “All right,” Jesus replied, “destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 3) Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” 4) Luke 24:47 “It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’”
   The common culture has and will oppose God’s kingdom building until the end of time. The world sees the church as a threat to its security. Be assured, the King has issued his decrees. There is no one to stop his work from continuing if we remain faithful to know we work in the authority of the King’s word. The records of his Word are perfect. Let’s be sure to use them.