Reigniting Faith: Prioritizing God Amidst Opposition
Summary
In the journey of faith, we often encounter moments of discouragement and stagnation, where the fervor with which we once pursued God's work diminishes under the weight of fear, opposition, or self-interest. This is a pattern as old as the scriptures themselves, and it is precisely this pattern that we find in the book of Ezra, chapters 5 and 6. The people of God, once zealous to rebuild the temple, find themselves halted by the relentless discouragement of their adversaries. Yet, God does not abandon His people in their despondency. Instead, He sends prophets Haggai and Zechariah to reignite their passion and remind them of a fundamental truth: put God first, obey His commands, and enjoy His blessings.
The message of Haggai is particularly poignant. He challenges the people to examine their priorities and to consider their ways. Despite their efforts to satisfy their own needs, they find themselves lacking because they have neglected the work of God. Haggai's call to action is clear: prioritize the things of God, and He will bless you. This is a message that transcends time, as relevant today as it was then. We, too, must put God first in our lives, obey His commands, and trust in His provision.
As we delve into the narrative, we see that the opposition does not cease. When the people of God are stirred to resume the work, their adversaries, led by Tatnai and Shethar-Boznai, attempt to thwart their efforts by appealing to King Darius. However, God's providence is evident. Darius not only confirms the decree of King Cyrus, allowing the work to continue, but he also warns the adversaries to keep away from the builders, under threat of severe punishment.
This historical account serves as a powerful reminder that when we engage in God's work, we do so under His watchful eye and with His protection. The world takes note of our efforts, and how we conduct ourselves in God's service speaks volumes about our faith. Our perseverance and dedication to God's work can be a testament to His greatness.
Key Takeaways:
- When faced with discouragement in our spiritual walk, it is essential to remember that God orchestrates moments of motivation and encouragement. He sends messengers and reminders to stir our hearts back to His work, just as He did with the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. [03:33]
- God's commands are not burdensome but are the pathway to His blessings. Obedience to God aligns our lives with His will, leading to fulfillment and purpose. When we prioritize God's work above our own interests, we experience His provision and joy. [13:51]
- The awareness of God's watchful presence can either encourage us or convict us, depending on our spiritual state. For the downtrodden, it brings comfort and strength; for those straying from His path, it serves as a call to repentance and realignment with His will. [18:54]
- The world observes our commitment to God and judges the validity of our faith by our actions. Our work for the Lord should be done with excellence and zeal, reflecting the greatness of the God we serve and drawing others to Him. [24:41]
- God's protection over His people is a powerful motivator. When we engage in the work He has called us to, we can be assured of His defense against opposition. This assurance enables us to press on with confidence, even in the face of adversity. [32:37]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ezra 5:1-2 (ESV)
> "Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them. Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God that is in Jerusalem, and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them."
2. Haggai 1:5-7 (ESV)
> "Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways."
3. Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
> "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the primary reason the people of God stopped rebuilding the temple in Ezra 5? ([02:13])
2. How did God motivate the people to resume the work on the temple? ([03:33])
3. What message did Haggai deliver to the people to encourage them to prioritize God's work? ([06:16])
4. How did King Darius respond to the adversaries' attempts to stop the rebuilding of the temple? ([29:15])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to send prophets like Haggai and Zechariah to motivate the people instead of using another method? ([03:33])
2. How does Haggai's message about prioritizing God's work over personal interests apply to modern-day believers? ([06:16])
3. What does the reaction of King Darius to the adversaries' complaints tell us about God's protection over His people? ([29:15])
4. How can the awareness of God's watchful presence serve as both an encouragement and a conviction for believers today? ([18:54])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt discouraged in your spiritual journey. How did you overcome it, and what role did God's encouragement play in that process? ([03:33])
2. Haggai challenged the people to "consider their ways" and prioritize God's work. What are some practical steps you can take this week to put God first in your daily life? ([06:16])
3. The people of God were initially focused on their own needs and interests. Identify one area in your life where you have been prioritizing personal interests over God's work. How can you realign your priorities? ([09:47])
4. How does knowing that God is watching over you influence your actions and decisions? Share a specific instance where this awareness has either encouraged or convicted you. ([18:54])
5. The world observes our commitment to God and judges the validity of our faith by our actions. What is one way you can demonstrate your faith through your actions at work, school, or in your community this week? ([24:41])
6. King Darius' decree provided protection and resources for the rebuilding of the temple. How can you trust in God's provision and protection as you engage in the work He has called you to do? ([32:37])
7. Think of a person in your life who might be discouraged in their faith. How can you be a source of encouragement and motivation for them, similar to how Haggai and Zechariah were for the people of God? ([03:33])
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Encouragement in Discouragement
When walking the path of faith, believers may find themselves in valleys of discouragement, where the initial zeal for God's work has waned. It is in these moments that God's orchestration of encouragement becomes most evident. He sends messengers, much like the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, to stir the hearts of His people and call them back to the mission at hand. This divine intervention is a reminder that God is actively involved in the lives of His followers, providing motivation and strength to overcome the inertia of spiritual stagnation. The call to return to God's work is not just a historical event but a present-day reality for all who find themselves losing sight of their spiritual purpose. [03:33]
"Then the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God." - Haggai 1:14
Reflection: Recall a time when you felt spiritually discouraged. What specific message or person did God use to rekindle your passion for His work?
Day 2: Obedience Paves the Way to Blessing
The call to examine one's priorities is a timeless challenge that resonates with believers across generations. Haggai's message to the people, to consider their ways and put God's work first, is a powerful directive for modern-day Christians as well. It is a reminder that personal endeavors, no matter how diligently pursued, will ultimately fall short if they are not aligned with God's will. Obedience to God is not a burdensome task but a joyful journey that leads to His blessings. By prioritizing God's kingdom and righteousness, believers open themselves up to the fullness of His provision and joy. This obedience is the key to unlocking a life of purpose and fulfillment. [13:51]
"Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways." - Haggai 1:4-5
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you have prioritized personal comfort over God's work? How can you realign your priorities to put God first?
Day 3: God's Presence: Comfort and Conviction
Awareness of God's watchful presence has a profound impact on the believer's heart. For those feeling downtrodden and weary, the knowledge that God is observing their journey brings immense comfort and strength. It is a source of encouragement that fuels perseverance. Conversely, for those who have strayed from the path, this awareness acts as a loving conviction, calling them to repentance and a realignment with God's will. The presence of God is both a shield and a guide, offering protection and direction for those who seek to walk in His ways. [18:54]
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him." - 2 Chronicles 16:9a
Reflection: How does the knowledge of God's watchful presence over your life encourage you in times of struggle, and how does it challenge you when you are tempted to stray?
Day 4: Faith Demonstrated Through Diligence
The authenticity of one's faith is often reflected in the manner in which they undertake God's work. Diligence and excellence in service not only honor God but also serve as a witness to the world. The narrative of the temple's reconstruction is a testament to the dedication required in serving the Lord. Believers are called to approach their divine assignments with zeal, reflecting the greatness of God and inspiring others to seek Him. The quality of work done for the Lord can draw others closer to the truth of the Gospel. [24:41]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." - Colossians 3:23-24
Reflection: In what ways can you improve the quality of your service to God, ensuring that it reflects His greatness and draws others to Him?
Day 5: Assured of God's Protection in His Work
Engaging in God's work comes with the assurance of His protection. This was evident in the story of the temple rebuild, where divine intervention led to the support of King Darius against the adversaries. For believers today, this historical account is a reminder that when they step out in faith to do God's work, they are not alone. God's defense against opposition is a powerful motivator that enables His people to press on with confidence, even when faced with adversity. This assurance of God's protection provides the courage to undertake tasks that may seem daunting. [32:37]
"But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one." - 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Reflection: What is a task or mission you believe God is calling you to, but you have hesitated to undertake due to fear of opposition? How can you step forward in faith, trusting in God's protection?
Quotes
"Discouragement can be a crippling form of soul sickness, and we all understand the sentiment behind that statement. That's where we find the people of God here in Ezra chapter 5." [00:39] (Download | )
"God in his grace and mercy sends motivation to his people who have stopped doing the work that he gave them to do." [03:33] (Download | )
"God does not forsake them in their dejection, he does not leave them in their depression, he does not want them to wallow in self-pity, so he sends these two preachers preaching." [04:56] (Download | )
"Discouraged and apathetic and stagnating people need to be reminded to put God first." [10:28] (Download | )
"When you are doing the work of God in God's way, you enjoy God's protection." [32:37] (Download | )
"The world is watching you and they are judging your Christ and they are gauging your gospel." [26:01] (Download | )
"How you work testifies of what you believe and how you live adorns the doctrine of scripture." [24:41] (Download | )
"God has a way of seeing his work through when there is seemingly no way through." [34:29] (Download | )
"Be encouraged, get back to work. What a privilege it is to do God's work." [35:59] (Download | )
"Every time you try to take a step for right, try to do something to honor glorify God, you just find that you're threatened or attacked." [35:15] (Download | )
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