Ezra 6:4-12
Recap- Chapter 6: 1-3
- Men who treasure and keep record of God’s dealings and instructions to them.
- Men who build their lives/homes according to pattern shown via the Word of God.
- Men who will never deviate from the instructions of Scriptures regardless of the circumstances.
Vs. 4-5
- God’s divine provision - expenses and material for building provided.
Vs. 6-12
- Seeing tangibly, God’s out-stretched arm.
- God contending with those who contend with HIM (The governors and Persians are instructed to keep away from them).
- God raised an advocate for Himself using a heathen (King Darius).
- God moved the heart of King Darius, who made a decree that the work of building MUST not be interfered with/ it CANNOT BE disrupted.
- King Darius under God proclaimed that the builders be not hindered (verbally as previously -see Ezra 4:1-5; physically- see Ezra 4:23-24; financially).
- Their provisions/sustenance as requested by the Priests was provided without fail; a heathen King made this his prerogative.
- Death was the penalty of ANYONE who disrupted the work of building.
- The inheritance of those who disrupt the work of building was turned into a refuse heap.
WHY WOULD GOD GO TO THIS EXTENT TO LAVISH HIS FAVOUR, PROVISIONS, DIVINE BACKING AND HELP ON THESE MEN?
Vs. 10
- That the disciples offer sacrifices of sweet aroma to their God of heaven.
- That they become relevant and beacons of light in their communities and nation. (Pray for the life of the King and his sons).
- That the life of JESUS in them finds continuity and the building work produces disciples of ALL nations.
GOD’S OUTPOURING IS NEVER TO MAKE OUR MEN FATTENED WITH SELF,
PRIDE OR TO BE IDOLISED!!!!
PRAYER POINTS
- Cause our men to be people of faith. Men who launch out at Your bidding when the cost and building material are not immediately apparent.
- Help the heart of our men to know that You never call a man to waste him. You never send forth without releasing what is needed to build. You always ensure that the Seed if Jesus in us will never be truncated or hindered.
- Please Lord, address any concerns that may be hindering our men from following You all the way.
- Stabilise the heart of our men so that the provisions/fruits of revival do not destroy them; that God's divine provision and outstretched arm further strengthens their conviction and love for you.
- Help them to keep knowing that they were apprehended to manifest Jesus and commissioned to make disciples of all nations.
- Let all that You do to ensure the fulfilment of Your purpose in our men make them love and fear You. Remove from their heart that which makes them want to capitalise on Your help as opportunities to advance their own purposes.
- Raising heathens as advocates for the propagation of the Gospel, divine daily provisions of food, materials and expenses are to let HIS KINGDOM COME and HIS WILL BE DONE. This sometimes brings men to their knees, cuts their hearts and brings brokenness. Help our men to capitalise on these opportunities to plant the Seed - Jesus.
