WEEK 1, DAY 5: REBUILD
Praying for the Nation of Turkey by Bethany Pedigo
Scripture Reference: Ezra 5
For two years the sounds of building had ceased. For two years, all the tools had been silent. The people of God had begun a great work – to rebuild the Temple! But severe opposition and the decree of a King had brought it to a standstill. However, now the prophets, inspired by God, encouraged the people to try again, to build again.
“1 Now Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the prophet, a descendant of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. 2 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.3 At that time Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates went to them and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and to finish it?” 4 They[a] also asked, “What are the names of those who are constructing this building?” 5 But the eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written reply be received.”
REBUILD THE TEMPLE
Have you ever begun something that you thought God told you to do, only to have circumstances present innumerable obstacles? Do you see that twice in this passage it mentions that God was “over” them and that His eye was “watching over” them? Even though we live and breathe and move through an earthly realm that is subject to the authorities of our nation or state, there is a God in Heaven, and His authority is over every authority! So much so, that God inspired a previous King, Cyrus, to issue not only a decree to rebuild the Temple for the worship of God, but sent money and resources to ensure that it would happen! Dear Believer, today, I encourage you – the God of Heaven is above every other authority in Heaven and on earth! His eye is upon you today, as you seek to obey Him and accomplish the things that He has put you on this earth to do! Would you pray with me?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, God over all things, forgive us for fearing earthly authorities more than you. Forgive us, the church, for becoming overly awed by earthly rulers. Help us to remember that You are not the God of a particular party or nation, but You are above all governments and nations. We proclaim today that Your people will not seek for You to put your weight behind a particular political side, but rather, determine that we will be on Your side, to do Your will in Your way! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
