When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, they 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.”But 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.”
Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building.
Sometimes things are not what they appear at first glance. What seemed like an offer to help in the rebuilding of the Temple was most likely a scheme to thwart the job. The people of Israel had to stick to their guns. And it seemed that they were wise to do so, as their enemies tried to discourage them from the work.
If we feel called to a particular work or calling, people may try to dissuade us too. We need to be sure of following God’s instructions no matter what. People may also offer us help and assistance out of genuine concern, but we still need to be careful that we don’t let anyone interfere with God’s plans. We can (or at least I can) be easily persuaded, so that’s why we should always bring our plans, purposes and thoughts before God to make sure we are doing what He wants. That is after all, the most important thing!
Dear Lord,
Help me to be wise when carrying out anything for You. If people try to put me off, help me to gain my strength and encouragement from You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.