Readings for today: Ezra 4-6
Who gets the credit for the good things that happen in your life? The good things that happen in our nation? The good things that happen in our world? Is it human beings or is it God? Consider what takes place in our reading today. Zerubbabel is building the Temple. Things are going so well that even the enemies of Israel want to join in. Cyrus is mentioned again in the text as the king who initiated this building project. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah join forces to spur the people on even in the face of royal opposition. Darius gives the order to resume rebuilding after finding Cyrus’ original decree in his archives. Even offers to pay for it! But at the end of the day, who gets the credit for the completion of the work? God. The people of Israel see His sovereign hand at work even in the midst of all the trials and struggles and opposition. They recognize that the completion of the building project and the resumption of true worship could only have happened through the Lord’s miraculous work. “They observed the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days with joy, because the Lord had made them joyful, having changed the Assyrian king’s attitude toward them, so that he supported them in the work on the house of the God of Israel.” (Ezra 6:22 CSB)
I don’t know about you but I don’t always give God enough credit. Sometimes it’s because things aren’t going well and I lose sight of Him. I start to argue and complain and question His good plan for my life. I blame Him for all the bad things that may be happening to me or to my family or to my community or in our world. It’s easy, especially when you see some of the horrific things I’ve seen, to wonder where God is in all the suffering. On the flip side, I sometimes forget to give God credit when things are good. I start to take credit myself for the affirmation I receive from those I love and serve. I start to believe my own hype. I start to trust in my own strength and wisdom. I start to enjoy how it feels to be the center of attention. In fact, one of the things I try to do is evaluate myself on how quickly I give thanks to God for the opportunities He’s given me like when I preach on a Sunday morning or teach a seminary class or lead a particular ministry. My goal is always to give God all the glory He rightfully deserves and take none of the credit for myself.
As you think about all that’s happening in your life today, have you stopped to thank God for all He’s done for you? When you think about all that’s happening in our nation today, have you stopped to thank God for the ways He’s working? Even though it may not always be obvious? When you think about all that’s happening in our world today, where do you see God’s hand? Have you given Him the credit? Have you placed your trust in His sovereign will and plan? It makes me think of one of my favorite worship songs. Give it a listen and let it lead you into a prayer of appreciation and gratitude to the Lord.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJCV_2H9xD0&list=RDiJCV_2H9xD0&start_radio=1
Readings for tomorrow: Haggai 1-2