Ezra Chapter 6: Verses 1-5 (NLT)
So King Darius issued orders that a search be made in the Babylonian archives, which were stored in the treasury. But it was at the fortress at Ecbatana in the province of Media that a scroll was found. This is what it said:
“Memorandum:
“In the first year of King Cyrus’s reign, a decree was sent out concerning the Temple of God at Jerusalem.
“Let the Temple be rebuilt on the site where Jews used to offer their sacrifices, using the original foundations. Its height will be ninety feet, and its width will be ninety feet. Every three layers of specially prepared stones will be topped by a layer of timber. All expenses will be paid by the royal treasury. Furthermore, the gold and silver cups, which were taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar from the Temple of God in Jerusalem, must be returned to Jerusalem and put back where they belong. Let them be taken back to the Temple of God.”
Ezra Chapter 7: Verses 9-10 (NLT)
He had arranged to leave Babylon on April 8, the first day of the new year and he arrived at Jerusalem on August 4, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.
Darius was a wise king and he sought to find the evidence that the Temple had been agreed by his predecessor. He authorised a careful search of the governmental archives and the evidence was found.
Likewise, Ezra sought to learn the ways and law of God. He did this by making the effort to study the law of God, and to pass on what he learned to others. And God blessed his efforts.
If we want to find the truth and to do what is right, sometimes we need to put the effort in to find out what we should be doing. We are very fortunate to have the evidence readily accessible to us, through God’s living word – the Bible. So we can do as Ezra did and make the time to read God’s word and act on it. That’s how we really find out what God’s will for us is, and how we should behave in different circumstances; it’s all there for us. People may criticise it, but those who do have usually never read it in all its fulness. An old pastor I knew years ago used to say the Bible was as up-to-date as today’s newspaper. Even with the changing forms of media, I still believe he was right. I’m grateful to have free access to the Bible, and to wise study guides to help me understand it.
Dear Lord.
Thank You for the truth that is found in the Bible. Grant me the wisdom and discernment to learn and act on the truth of its teaching. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.