Zechariah 4 – 8; Ezra 5:2 – 6:22; Daniel 6

It’s amazing that the little, insignificant nation that lay in ruins would stir up opposition, but it did. All they wanted to do was rebuild a building that to the unbeliever was founded on myths and legends. Even by the standards of the age, the fact that it lay in ruins proved that their “god” had abandoned them.

It’s amazing that a single man, praying to his “personal deity” should stir up opposition, but it did. All he was doing was bowing a few times each day and speaking “into the air”. Even by the standards of the age, Daniel’s “god” had abandoned him or else he would not be captive in a distant land.

It’s amazing that when the people of God start moving in the direction God has called them that the world freaks out. We see it time and time again in the Bible. The church in Jerusalem was making great strides and a great persecution broke out and scattered them. No doubt you have seen it yourselves in our own country. Every other “religion” is to be celebrated, but Christians need to shut up and sit down.  Ever wonder why a religion based upon “myths and fables” stirs up so much opposition?

How do we respond? First, we need to understand what God does in response to these things…

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose

Romans 8:28

When Tattenai “tattled” to Darrius to try to get the Jews to stop their work on building the temple in Jerusalem, Darrius looked into it. What he discovered was that the Jews, in fact, were working under royal decree from Cyrus. Now King Darrius was supportive. Even more, Darius ordered Tattenai to pay for the work from the taxes he collected in his region. God worked all things – good and bad – together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

When the jealous governors and satraps wanted to harm Daniel they went after his religion using the king’s pride. Knowing Daniel was pious and faithful, they knew they could trap him and “force” the king to put him to death. When God protected Daniel, the king was pleased and ordered the accusers to be thrown to the lions. Then, he honored Daniel and decreed honored to Yahweh, Daniel’s God. God worked all things – good and bad – together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

When the church was growing and thriving and the Jewish leaders wanted to kill it, they attacked. The people scattered everywhere. The “problem” for the Jews was they preach the gospel everywhere they went. The church grew like it never would have if they had not been forced out of Jerusalem. God worked all things – good and bad – together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

As we look at the world around us and we feel hard-pressed, bummed out or persecuted, think on these things. God has not given up on those who love Him. He has not abandoned those who are called according to His purpose. We simply need to appreciate that we stir up opposition ONLY when we are progressing in the work of the LORD.

You, as a Christian, are called to carry out the purpose of God. The question is “Do you love Him?” If you do, he will work all things – good and bad – together for good and accomplish marvelous things.

Consider His nature.  Consider His ways.  Strive to love Him more!