Ezra
August 7
Ezra 4:4-5, 6:6-8, 13-14
The Temple is rebuilt
The Jews, who had returned from Babylon, were excited about rebuilding the Temple. But soon, a troublemaker who had stayed behind, and some others who did not believe in God, became jealous and tried to stop them. They even sent messages back to the king of Persia saying that these Jews were planning to rebel and not pay taxes to him. And because of this, all the work on the Temple stopped.
Years later, when King Darius came to power in Persia, he searched through the records of King Cyrus and found the scroll where Cyrus had ordered the Jews to rebuild the Temple.
Then King Darius ordered that no one was to interfere with the building of the Temple, and he even commanded the troublemakers to help. He also said that taxes were to be used to pay for the work. And at last the Temple was completed, and the people dedicated it to God.
How should I pray for our country’s leaders?
God had worked in the heart of King Cyrus who sent many Jews back to Jerusalem, and he helped them with the Temple. When they became discouraged and stopped building, God used King Darius to get them going again. God used these kings to help rebuild their place of worship. When we pray for our leaders, God is able to do great things through them too. Pray that God will help:
leaders to make wise decisions. The decisions they make are very important because they affect many people.
judges and rulers to know what is the right and proper thing to do so that justice is done.
those in authority who have the power to make laws that affect our freedom to worship God.
those who enforce the law; that they will know how to deal with wrongdoing so that we can live peaceful lives.
Verse for today
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2