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We’ve all faced the amusing challenge of accepting help from just about anyone who offers. It’s like throwing open the doors to our lives, inviting in friendly faces, only to discover that some of those well-meaning helpers are actually strong and powerful foes to our progress! Picture this: when the exiles returned to Jerusalem, they set out to rebuild the temple of the Lord that had been destroyed.
After laying the foundation, some folks—who happened to be enemies of Judah and Benjamin—came knocking, eager to lend a hand. But let’s be honest, they weren’t exactly there to help but rather to hinder!Ezra 4:2-3
[2]They came to Zerubbabel [now governor] and to the heads of the fathers’ houses and said, Let us build with you, for we seek and worship your God as you do, and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here. [II Kings 17:24-29.]3]But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the heads of fathers’ houses of Israel said to them, You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves will together build to the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, has commanded us.
Reflective Questions About the Teaching
a) Based on our lesson, what should we be cautious about accepting from just anyone?
b) From our perspective, which individuals approached Zerubbabel under the guise of offering assistance?
c) What valuable lessons do you glean from our teaching?
Confession Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, I’m grateful for this enlightening wisdom that’s been shared with my spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.