The people already living in the land want to be part of the rebuilding. What seems like a friendly offer of help could actually be an attempt at disruption.

Matthew Henry reminds us that these are the folk who remained after the invasion and exile and still followed the old way that had resulted in exile in the first place. The hedging your bets route that mixes a worship of Yahweh along with other gods: a pick and mix of spirituality that may well be familiar to us today (Jude now 17 was chatting about his pals who are very focused on the lie of “manifesting” - he said

“Mum, it’s prayer but without Jesus”). 

We can be dazzled or distracted by something that seems to contain a lot of good, but is not of God. I want church to be inclusive, I know that once we come to Jesus we understand His grace (and embrace) includes us all! But it isn’t compromise (or a list of behaviours we don’t tolerate as “church”) that allows Jesus to reveal Himself in all His beauty His kindness, HIS kindness leads to repentance. BUT it HAS to be His way, His wisdom, His timing. Let’s press into Him, continue to seek His way, be willing to wait!

Back to Ezra! The returnees reject this offer of help showing a determination not to waver. They choose to set themselves apart, a sign of new devotion, a sign that they will not go back to what sent them into exile.

The ensuing sour grapes: “You won’t let us be part of this so we’re going to create trouble!” and the clever letter they send to the new ruler of this massive empire, eventually has the desired effect, the work is stopped (you’ll love the next exciting episode!).

BUT wait, remember Chapter 3.  What’s already built? What’s already functioning? The altar is already there. Finished first. Worship continues while they wait.

We focus on the work that was stopped, the problem in the way and forget that worship, our worship must continue because He continues! In His love, mercy, goodness and beauty, let’s not forget. Even as we sit in front of the latest barrier, distraction or what feels like a day of disaster, even as we stand bewildered in the midst of battle, let the worship continue, the prayer, the praise, the sacrifice of our hearts.

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Stand still/sit still and praise and thank God now for all that He has done so far in your life! Praise Him that He’s not finished with you yet!