In Ezra 3 & 4, in spite of the fear of the people who had settled in Jerusalem while the nation was in exile, they move forward in sacrifice and worship of God together - unified. They joyfully praise God, His goodness, and His faithful love. They do not let fears quench their faith and worship of God. With great opportunity for the Lord to advance comes opposition from the enemy. The enemy tries to creep in as they proceed with the building of the Temple, but they do not buy it and the attack fails. Since deceit didn't work, he tries again - but this time he devours. A letter is sent to the current king of what Jerusalem is doing and the building is halted. The nation is faced with a pause. But, the Lord is not done and His plan, His promises, and His eternal redeeming love for all of us will continue. The temporary pause that is faced is nothing for the strong arm of our mighty God. The enemy is defeated and his time is running short and God will continue to have the victory. We can stand in faith knowing our Father is a Promise Keeper, He is faithful, He is true, His is moving, and He is mighty. Every Word He has declared will come to passed, He is not finished - it's just a matter of time.
