06 August 2009 Devotion for Today “Bad News” Ezra 4:18-24

They say that good news travels fast- but bad news even faster. Disappointment and discouragement often follow. To follow up on the frustrations of yesterday, this is the outcome of what God’s people had to face as they began to rebuild the city of Jerusalem”

18 The letter which you sent to us has been clearly read before me. 19 And I gave the command, and a search has been made, and it was found that this city in former times has revolted against kings, and rebellion and sedition have been fostered in it. 20 There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the region beyond the River; and tax, tribute, and custom were paid to them. 21 Now give the command to make these men cease, that this city may not be built until the command is given by me. 22 Take heed now that you do not fail to do this. Why should damage increase to the hurt of the kings?
23 Now when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem against the Jews, and by force of arms made them cease. 24 Thus the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem ceased, and it was discontinued until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. (Ezra 4:18-24)

The letter from the king came as bad news to the resettled people of Jerusalem. Their enemies sent a nasty letter to King Cyrus telling him that they were plotting to rebel against his authority. Apparently the king had other things on his mind and had forgotten that he had commissioned the people of Israel to rebuild the Temple. But he never actually told them to rebuild the walls or the fortifications around the city. Perhaps the misunderstanding was based upon an assumption. Their enemies saw the letter, as a matter of public record, and accused the Jews of going beyond the limits of their contract with the king and appealed to him. Knowing that he did not have the extra military to put down a feud between Israel and her enemies, commanded that the further work be stopped. This came as a great disappointment to the Jews who had labored on the city for months. Work would begin again but not for several more years.

Are you facing disappointment today? Maybe you received news that you were hoping would not come. Perhaps it is coming by means of some misguided person who is causing you stress and wreaking havoc with your plans. Perhaps this is the time, instead of insisting on your rights, to go directly to God in prayer. It is easier to deal with the let-down of disappointment when we acknowledge that the King of Kings has everything in His control.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I am frustrated and very disappointed by the turn of events that I see before me. Things were going so well, but now the enemy of my soul seeks to thwart me and hurt me. It really hurts to see all my hard work go for nothing. But I submit to You today in obedience, knowing that trying to fight will only make things worse. Give me the patience to bide my time, and to wait for Your signal to move forward again. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
Have a blessed day!