Poetic Justice … and Big $

Oct. 20

Read: Ezra 6:1-18

Poetic Justice

It just might be that one day, our “captors” will become our “benefactors”… our “adversaries” our greatest avenue for blessing and resources. The things that seem to work AGAINST US the most are actually quite likely to be the things that give us the GREATEST blessing through the work of the Lord. This pattern is worked out over and over again in the scriptures, giving us insight into the character of God. We can earnestly declare that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28) This is why we need to start seeing opposition and aversion as more of a pathway to experiencing God’s work in us and through us, rather than a punishment or inconvenience that must be simply endured.

After 400 yeras of captivity, it was through the Egyptians that God richly blessed his people as they were leaving captivity in Egypt. (cf. Ex.12:35-36) It was after a grueling exile under the Babylonians and Assyrians that God released his people and provided for them the resources to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple through Persian king Cyrus. (cf. Ezra 1) And now, despite three years of hiatus brought about by nagging local enemies, the work on the Temple begins again. The people of God were willing to step out in faith, under the impression that the cost of building was now on them. Little did they know what God had up his sleeve. Are you willing to step out and obey, even if it is going to “cost you”?

The same naysayers that brought about the first “job site shut down” by complaining to the new king of Persian try the same trick again. This time with king Darius the tactic backfires. Darius sides with the Jews and supports the rebuilding of the Temple. (v.1-12) There is a twist though, Darius declares:

“Now therefore, Tattenai… Shethar-bozenai, and your associates, the governors who are in the province Beyond the River, keep away. Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site. Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God. The cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River. And whatever is needed—bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests at Jerusalem require—let that be given to them day by day without fail, that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons. (v.6-10)

This is that poetic justice I was speaking about! The adversaries and naysayers actually initiate the Persian king’s reinstating his blessing on the project as well as putting themselves on the hook for all of the resources! “Day by day without fail” the ones who once opposed the project are now funding it! What is shocking is that the foreign governors complied… they actually did it faithfully until the completion of the Temple. This is God's blessing of his people’s faithfulness and willingness to step out - even when it seemed that the costs were too high and they risked great persecution. They had no guarantee that Darius would respond the way he did. What they did have was a precedent that God would provide.

IF it is what God is calling us to, he will ALWAYS provide. Think of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham could boldly state, “God will provide the sacrifice” despite not knowing exactly how or where it would come from. (Gen. 22:8) Proverbs 13:22 says this, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.” What an interesting idea… that the “sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous”. At least here, we see that the wealth of the Persian conquest and those adversarial neighbors surrounding Jerusalem was indeed stored up to one day be transferred over to God’s people for use in the rebuilding of God’s Temple.

Any concentration of wealth that takes place in the hands of sinners… of the wicked… will one day be redistributed… under God’s oversight and planning. The affluent farmer of Luke 12 who “tears down his barns to build bigger ones” to fill will never enjoy the good those barns hold. The servant who squanders his talent has it taken from him and given to the faithful one. (cf. Matt. 25) Even for us as God’s children, when we are entrusted with great wealth, we have a mindset that looks for ways to bless others, give generously to the Lord, and care for our children and grandchildren. The accumulation of wealth is never an end unto itself… God is at work with an eye towards the bigger picture. Remember this when you become frustrated at what seems like the prosperity of the wicked.

Let us stop seeing our opposition, adversaries, or perceived captors as roadblocks and start to trust God’s work and provision for us no matter what lies ahead. The people of God need consistent reminding that God provides and works in mysterious ways. I think God has a good sense of humor as well… how else can you describe those complaining neighbors now having to foot the bill for the rest of the project!?! This mind set allows us to calm down and remain faithful to the work of rebuilding God’s dwelling place. In a day and age when record fortunes are being made and lost, this is a crucial idea. Love you all! - JDP