Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia. Ezra 4:4-5
I love the catchphrase from Lowes Hardware Stores: Let’s Build Something Together. That was happening in Jerusalem. But then, Ezra saw the work of God come to a halt because of jealous critics. Critics have never built anything! It was true in Ezra’s day and its true today. They sure can slow and stop building though. And that’s what happened here. They worried the king so much, he ordered the work on the temple and city wall to cease. It would not continue until the second year Darius (the new king) was in charge.
Am I a critic? Do I slow down and stop progress or even worse, do I thwart what God is building in others? I hope not. Do I celebrate the victories of others? That’s a good way for me to know if its all about me, or truly the kingdom of God!
Lord, I am just so unworthy to be a critic. I do have strong opinions, that’s for sure. I have some expertise in a few areas. But I feel like I am learning more today than when I was young. I love it. But, its also very humbling. May You work within me today. May I be a blessing and not a critic. Let’s build something together.
