Fear at Home
- Justin Ray
- May 22, 2020
- 6 min read
Ezra 3-6
And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening.
Ezra 3:3
My grandmother had little desire to ever leave our hometown. If she did, it was probably to get a sell item grocery shopping in a town next to us. When we did travel with her, she was visibly anxious about being on the road. Not bad, but if you paid attention, you could see it. She would settle down when we got where we were going, usually a church meeting or a cabin at a state park. No matter how much she enjoyed the trip, she was always ready to go home.
For most of us, there is security at home. I'm no world traveler, but I have been to three different countries and most of the eastern U.S. I love seeing new places. However, I am always a little relieved to get home. As Dorthy said, "There's no place like home."
So, you would think the Jews would have been relieved to be back home, but they weren't. It wasn't home that was the problem. The neighborhood had changed while they were away. There were outsiders there who now claimed the neighborhood as theirs, and they did not like the Jews being back; let alone trying to change things back to how they were. So, Ezra tells us "for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries...".
But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:
13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
Ezra 3:12-13
For some of the people, they did not enjoy being back in Jerusalem because it wasn't how they remembered. When the temple was rebuilt, it was nothing like the one they grew up with. Hang around older people long and they will tell you about how things used to be. Most of the time, they prefer what used to be. I know when it comes to my hometown, things really were better. So, when I hear my elders talk about how it used to me, I can see why they might reminisce about yesteryear.
Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: ... 12 Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations. 13 Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.
Ezra 4:8, 12-13
Ezra tells us in chapter 4 that the people's fears were merited. Their enemies stopped the remodeling project by sending letters to the new king. We might think of this has the enemies telling the city council that the builders didn't have the proper permits. Until all this was sorted out, building had to stop. Man I bet it was tempting to just give up! The work was hard, the neighbors were mean, and now the government was against them. What were they going to do?
Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
Ezra 5:17
With the prodding of a couple of prophets, the people sent a letter to the king. They explained the situation to the new king. Then, they asked him to search the national archives and see that they were telling the truth. They did not rebel against the orders of the king or riot in the streets (that would have proven their enemies correct). They simply stated the facts, sent the king looking in the right direction, and trusted God.
The Jews' fears had proven true. They really were persecuted by their enemies. However, look back at our first passage, "And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening (Ezra 3:3)." When things got rough, the people sought God. Because they were before the cross, sacrifices had to be offered to approach God's throne of Grace. Then, they would offer up their prayers. Hidden in this verse is the fact that they were praying because they were afraid. Their fears did not stop them from serving God, they drove the people to God.
I know this is a long passage but read it! It is good!
Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence: 7 Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place. 8 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. 9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail: 10 That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. 11 Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this. 12 And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.
Ezra 6:6-12
What happened when the people prayed? Well, as my friend Jason Bartlett says, "God showed up and showed out!" Now only did he hear their prayers, but he answered them in a mighty way. As requested, Darius had the records searched. He found that the Jews were telling the truth. So, he made a royal decree. In it, he basically said: "Leave them alone and let them build. You know what, actually I don't want you to leave them alone. I want you to pay for the work they are doing. The tributes you send to me, send those to them. Also, make sure they have everything they need to offer their sacrifices. If you don't, I will tear down your houses and use the wood to make gallows to hang you on."
God didn't just hear their prayers. He didn't just answer their prayers with allowing them to work. No, he got them permission to keep working and had their enemies foot the bill. That is how our God works!
Many are afraid today. They are afraid at home. The enemy has told us that we cannot serve our God. We must stay at home and do nothing. Many have bought into this and as a result, many people want churches closed. This week a church was burned down because they refused to violate their conscience about being obedient to God. The enemy does not want people serving God. He will use whatever tactics he can to stop us. Just as the Jews in the Book of Ezra did, we need to pray. We need to be careful how we conduct ourselves so that we do not prove the enemy right in the eyes of those around us. We must be gracious. We must be wise as serpents, but harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). Above all, we must not quit! There is a work to do. As David said, "Is there not a cause?" (I Samuel 17:29). God has a work for us to do. We must do the work! When the enemy stops us, we should run to God. Let him fight our fights. We just might find that he shows up and shows out for us as well!
Lord help me to keep on building. If the enemy stops me, may I run to your throne and tell you all my cares. Help me have courage to not quit. And Father, just has you did in Ezra, help us to continue to build, and let the enemy foot the bill.
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