The Plan Comes Together

Ezra 6:13-22.

We closed last week with King Darius’ reply to Tattenai’s letter.

The King orders all harassment to stop immediately

Ezra 6:11–12 ESV

Also I make a decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of his house, and he shall be impaled on it, and his house shall be made a dunghill. May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who shall put out a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God that is in Jerusalem. I Darius make a decree; let it be done with all diligence.”

Today we look into the text as the story continues- With these highlights

Royal protection promises completion of the project

What the Prophets fore told and God Promised

Is now being fulfilled

Bringing into view how God’s faithfulness to His people

Bring blessings and security from unexpected resources

When God’s people respond to Him in obedience and joy.

This also serves as a reminder to us today

God still keeps His promises

And we can trust in Him to be there for us

In our personal times of growth and maturity

Whether they be

Spiritual, relational or community based

As we remain faithful to God’s calling for each of us

He will remain faithful to seeing us through to the completion of that calling.

The faithfulness of God in the totality of the Bible should inspire each of us in our daily trust, devotion and worship to Him.

While walking in His will for us patiently allowing the Holy Spirit to complete the good work that has been started in our souls.

So lets begin with-

Promises Kept- Prophecy Fulfilled

Ezra 6:13–15 ESV

Then, according to the word sent by Darius the king, Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates did with all diligence what Darius the king had ordered. And the elders of the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia; And this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

We start with, “...according to the word sent by Darius...”

The most powerful word on earth at that time WAS the decree of the Persian king.

Yet, behind the scenes, and beyond even Darius’ understanding was the omnipotent, most powerful will of God driving the narrative.