Build the House of God (Ezra 5:2)

2022-05-28

Because of enemies from the Lord, the work of the post-exilic Temple stopped for a season. However, the Lord sent prophets for them to continue anyway. Who do we listen to, if earthly and heavenly authorities conflict?

Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them. Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them. (Ezra 5:1-2)

If the government’s decree and God’s decree do not agree, you always submit to the higher power. There is no higher power than God. In western society, this conflict is going to be extremely rare. But when it occurs, God is the higher power, and He is to be obeyed above any earthly authority. When Zerubbabel, Jeshua and the people obeyed the Lord, the Lord responded:

Then spake Haggai the LORD’S messenger in the LORD’S message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD. (Haggai 1:13)

Accepting the consequences of our actions is a part of it. However, in this case, the people were vindicated:

And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed. (Ezra 6:12)