“Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building, 5 and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. 7 In the days of Artaxerxes also, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabel, and the rest of their companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the letter was written in Aramaic script, and translated into the Aramaic language. ” Ezra 4:4-7 NKJV
“And you will find in the book of the records and know that this city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, and that they have incited sedition within the city in former times, for which cause this city was destroyed. 16 We inform the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, the result will be that you will have no dominion beyond the River.” Ezra 4:15-16 NKJV
Father God,
Opposition again to the rebuilding. It had been stopped in the days of King Darius and then restarted after a letter was found in the Babylonian archives giving permission. Here though, we go back to chapter 4 of Ezra we are told we are in the reign of Ahasuerus, the son of Darius and then his predecessor Artaxerxes Ezra 4:1). So it seems the chapters are a little out of historical order. But no matter. This time the opposers aim their argument where they know it will stick. Where the money is. Rebuilding may make the Nation of Israel rebel against paying taxes to Babylon. So they suggest a search against trouble and rebellion from Jerusalem. Israel’s enemies suggest Babylon prevent further trouble.
And the work may have faltered and halted for a little while – except for the arrival of another group of exiles from Babylon and this time with a man called Ezra a skillful scribe in the Law of Moses. It sometimes, well quite often only takes one person to change circumstances. He doesn’t do all the work but he knows how to stand up to KIngs and ask for his rights. And Nehemiah comes along too. He knows how not to be intimidated by his enemies and how to look and see what needs to be done and encourage it.
Thats not me, we say. Not sure I want to stick my head above the parapet. But sometimes You just want us to do our part and nothing is too small a task. And others will join us when we have explained what and why if it is Your leading. Encouraging others is sometimes all it takes. I remember being told that no-one remembers who led Billy Graham to the Lord. But look what that achieved. Help us not to try to work things out in our own strength, or be afraid but just do what You put before us willingly, joyfully, hopefully.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 16th September 2026
I love the encouraging words of this worship.
I know someone who knows what I’m up against
I know someone who’s here in the midst of it
Fightin’ for me in a battle I could never win
All on my own
I might not be able to part the waters
Might not be able to calm the storms
Might not be able to make my giants fall
But good thing I’m not alone
‘Cause there is a power that is greater
So I’m not afraid of what’s ahead
I’m standing in the confidence that even though I can’t
My God can
He’ll heal those who hurt and comfort every broken heart
Restore the homes of families who’ve been torn apart
Tell chains to break and do what seems impossible
Like only He can
I might not be able to part the waters
Might not be able to calm the storms
Might not be able to make my giants fall
But good thing I’m not alone
‘Cause there is a power that is greater
So I’m not afraid of what’s ahead
I’m standing in the confidence that even though I can’t
My God can
Oh-oh, oh (oh, yes, He can)
I can do all things, all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
I can do all things, all things
‘Cause His spirit lives in me
I can do all things, all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
I can do all things (all things), all things (all things)
‘Cause His spirit lives in me
I might not be able to part the waters
Might not be able to calm the storms
Might not be able to make my giants fall
But good thing I’m not alone
‘Cause there is a power that is greater (that is greater)
So I’m not afraid of what’s ahead (I’m not afraid)
I’m standing in the confidence that even though I can’t
My God can, oh-ooh
My God can
I know He can
Lyrics: Joshua Havens, Jordan Mohilowski, Ethan Hulse, Katy Nichole.