March 7, 2016
With Respect
Read:
Ezra
5:6-17
If
it pleases the king, let a search be made in the royal archives of Babylon to
see if King Cyrus . . . issue[d] a decree. — Ezra 5:17
The citizens of Israel were having some trouble with the
government. It was the late 500s bc, and the Jewish people were eager to
complete their temple that had been destroyed in 586 bc by Babylon. However,
the governor of their region was not sure they should be doing that, so he sent
a note to King Darius (Ezra 5:6-17).
In the letter, the governor says he found the Jews working on
the temple and asks the king if they had permission to do so. The letter also
records the Jews’ respectful response that they had indeed been given
permission by an earlier king (Cyrus) to rebuild. When the king checked out
their story, he found it to be true: King Cyrus had said they could build the
temple. So Darius not only gave them permission to rebuild, but he also paid for
it! (see 6:1-12). After the Jews finished building the temple, they “celebrated
with joy” because they knew God had “[changed] the attitude of the king”
(6:22).
When
we see a situation that needs to be addressed, we honor God when we plead our
case in a respectful way, trust that He is in control of every situation, and
express gratitude for the outcome.
Lord, help us to respond respectfully to
situations around us. We need Your wisdom for this. May we always honor, trust,
and praise You.
Respect for authority brings glory to God.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2016