the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 2 of 5
Ezra 6:1-12
So a new letter is dispatched to the capital by the accusers. But it will cause them to be thrown into confusion. The search which Darius sets in motion not only allows the edict of Cyrus to be discovered but the king himself, in his reply, embraces the cause of the remnant of Judah and the building of the temple. And to crown all, he commands the very enemies of the Jews to provide the latter with all the help they need. Finally the decree of Darius is accompanied by the direst threats against those persons who alter anything contained in it. Such then was the outcome of the straightforward, bold position adopted by the Jewish elders (Ezra 5:11-12; see Matthew 10:32). Their attitude gave the LORD the opportunity of showing public approval of them.
It is encouraging in v. 10 to see the king recognizing the power of prayers to the God of heaven and requesting them for himself and his sons. This God of heaven is now our Father; let us not neglect to speak to Him. Besides we are exhorted to pray "for all men" and particularly "for kings (the authorities) and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
