Rose in the Desert by Rebecca

“Thus the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem ceased, and it was discontinued until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.” ~ Ezra 4:24

The denizens of Judea fought the rebuilding of the temple and of Jerusalem tooth and nail. When their threats failed to prevent the altar from being laid on its base, they tried deception. It just went on and on. When one tactic failed, ...they would try another. “Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building, and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.” (vs. 4-5) Their greatest achievement was writing an accusation to Artaxerxes, claiming that if Jerusalem was rebuilt, the Jews would revolt and the king would suffer major losses of power, territory, and treasure. They cited Jerusalem’s “rebellious” history as proof.

Artaxerxes heeded the letter and made a search into the records. He responded, “...a search has been made, and it was found that this city in former times has revolted against kings, and rebellion and sedition have been fostered in it. There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the region beyond the River; and tax, tribute, and custom were paid to them.” (vs. 19-20) He commanded that all construction cease.

And no wonder. Israel’s entire history, from Abraham to the nation today, is a chronicle of miracles that even the most skeptic modern critic cannot wholly deny. The very fact that she exists, that her people exist, that her culture exists, and that she blooms like a rose in the desert, is jaw-dropping of itself. Artaxerxes looked at his records – looked at how many times this nation had gone from nothing to almost everything, looked at the mighty kings she had produced, looked at the impossible odds she had withstood – and he did not want to be the next entry.

Israel was, is, and will continue to be a cup of trembling to the nations. And those who won’t understand the God of Israel can’t understand why. But that impossible people is God’s chosen people, set apart to Him, and His witness, and thus the constant object of Satan’s hatred and assault. There is enormous physical conflict surrounding Israel because there is enormous spiritual conflict surrounding Israel.

Yes, Artaxerxes stopped the construction for a while, because the Lord allowed it. But construction began again exactly when the Lord decided it was time, and Jerusalem was rebuilt. Satan can try all he likes – for now – but he can’t win with God. Even more galling to him, the Lord can take his evil and use it all for good. God is sovereign over the world, over its rulers, over Satan, over the demons, and over all the principalities and powers. He is in control. And His people Israel is one of the greatest proofs of His authority.

The awesome God of Israel is my God, even my Father. The God of Israel is my refuge, my salvation, my fortress, and my hope. Whom shall I fear?

Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”