the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 2 of 5
Ezra 6:13-22
The accusers of the Jews have realised that it would be unwise for them to resist the orders which they had received. They carry them out without delay but with understandable resentment.
With such protection from the authorities and provided with additional materials, the Jewish elders complete the building of the temple. But notice this important detail; if they prosper it is not due to the decree of Darius. It is "through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo" (v. 14). It is exactly the same for the Christian. The real spring of his prosperity is not to be found in the favourable circumstances in which God may place him on earth. It is to be found in subjection to the word of his God.
The house is dedicated with joy. Yet how great is the contrast with the dedication of the first temple when 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep were sacrificed (2 Chronicles 7:5). There is no mention here either of the fire coming down from heaven or of the glory filling the house, for the ark of God has been lost; it has not been recovered.
After the dedication, the Passover and the feast of unleavened bread are kept in the first month. Despite all their weakness, the LORD has made glad the hearts of these poor Jews after their return from exile.
