“When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, 2they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, ‘Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here. 3But Zerubbabel, Joshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, ‘You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us. 4Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. 5They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.” Ezra 4:1-5 NIV
Lord God ,
We cannot always read people. Sometimes we can see that a smile is only on the lips and not in the eyes. But You told us to love our neighbours anyway (Matthew 5:44). But in Israel’s day the neighbours could turn to war. (Sadly much like it still appears today). The leaders of Israel did not believe the change of heart in their enemies offering to help. And sent them away.
But the enemies started a war without as they would have done from within. Usig very powerful weapons. The ‘dis’s. Discouragement, despair, disablement, disgruntlement, disatisfaction . . . They are all contagious and easily spread and caught. Nobody told the Israelites it would be easy. They chose to return, they were not forced. And they had God with them.
But sometimes it is hard to shake off the negatives especially if they are consistent as these enemies were. For us today is Sunday a Christian Sabbath. When we can rest, get together and be encouraged. Take communion and remember what You have done for us. And be encouraged, enabled, satisfied that You God are with us (John 14:16-17). You are for us in the fight (Romans 8:31). Sometimes Sunday is a day to praise, sometimes Sunday is a day to be restored, sometimes Sunday is a day to be realigned. Or all three. What do I need Lord God?
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 21st September 2025
Your eye is on the sparrow
And Your hand, it comforts me
From the ends of the earth to the depth of my heart
Let Your mercy and strength be seen
You call me to Your purpose
As angels understand
For Your glory, may You draw all men
As Your love and grace demands
And I will run to You
To Your words of truth
Not by might, not by power
But by the Spirit of God
Yes, I will run the race
‘Til I see Your face
Oh, let me live in the glory of Your grace
You call me to Your purpose
As angels understand
For Your glory, may You draw all men
As Your love and grace demands
And I will run to You
To Your words of truth
Not by might, not by power
But by the Spirit of God
Yes, I will run the race
‘Til I see Your face
Oh, let me live in the glory of Your grace
Repeat chorus
And I will run to You
To Your words of truth
Not by might, not by power
But by the Spirit of God
Yes, I will run the race
‘Til I see Your face
Oh, let me live in the glory
Oh, let me live in the glory
Oh, let me live in the glory of Your grace
Lyrics: Darlene Zschech