The Whole Picture

O. T. #1,020  "The Whole Picture"
July11, 2017
Ezra 6


LET IT GLOW

Yesterday, we read of God's eyes watching over us protects and allows us to continue working in His service. He is with us as we walk performing our daily tasks and through our trials. His ears are open  to our cries. God was watching over His beloved Israel and is now watching over us.

When King Darius read the false accusations in the letter from the governor on the other side of the river, he commanded that a search be made for the decree King Cyrus made earlier. Apparently the valued treasures were stored in the same place as the historical documents. When it was found, the king recognized that it was a law of the Medes and Persians, which could not be altered. Darius made a further decree:

• Tattaenai and his officials to stay away from Jerusalem and not interfere with the Temple construction.
• The Jewish elders building this House of God were to be supported in their task of rebuilding the Temple-even Gov. Tat. was to use his tax money, animals for sacrifices, and food items.
• A severe penalty was to be given to violators-execution, houses destroyed, even suffer God's curse.
• This Temple was to be much larger than the first one. Verse 3 says instead of 30x20 cubits, it would be 60x60 cubits. A more impressive facility, huh?

It certainly backfired-the false letter. The king found out the truth, didn't he? Let truth prevail in our life, our situation, and our nation. Continue to live in the Truth, Jesus.

The king made a decree and it was followed. So it is with God-His sovereign will shall be done. It may not be in our time nor in the way we would choose. That is where faith comes in the picture.
God sees the whole picture. He also has a plan. So let us keep on trusting Him.

LET IT GROW

Cyrus recognized the authority of the Jewish God, and now Darius did. He even sought His blessings.
Look at verse 10, That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

Savour in Hebrew means pleasure, a sweet odor.

Darius desired for the Jews to please their God of heaven and offer up prayers for the king and his family. God is sovereign, controlling all event and all things in order to fulfill His Word, His promises, and His will. It is through His sovereign, omnipotent power that all our needs are met.
(The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible)

All things work together for good to them that love God. (Romans 8:28)

It will all work out, one way or another, dear one. It will be for our good and God's glory. So keep holding onto the One who created heaven and earth, the Majesty On High. It will turn our by His decree.
Are we praying for our President and his family?

LET IT GO

Trust God's watchful eye, seeing everything.

Walk by faith, not by sight.