Today’s Devotion
Topic: The Decree That Permits Your Progress Will Never Change!
Text: John 19: 22
Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” Amen
Many years after Nebuchadnezzar had invaded Jerusalem, the remnant had settled and were trying to reconstruct their lives. Zerubbabel (governor of the Jews) and Jeshua (the high priest), set themselves to continue the construction of the Lord’s temple with the help of Haggai and Zechariah; both prophets of the Most High God. (Ezra 5: 1-2)
However, in the course of the work, Tattenai, governor of Trans- Euphrates and Shethar – Bozenai approached and asked them “who authorised you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure? Also, what are the names of the men constructing this building?” (Ezra 5: 3-4)
The Jewish leaders now explained to Tattenai how King Cyrus had decreed during the first year of his reign that the temple in Jerusalem which king Nebuchadnezzar destroyed should be rebuilt and all the articles taken from it, restored. He also decreed that the cost of this restoration should be borne by the royal treasury of his empire.
Tattenai wouldn’t take their word for it. He sent a letter to the new emperor Darius requesting that the royal archives of Babylon be searched to confirm if King Cyrus made any such decree. Not only did king Darius confirm the said decree, he also went ahead to warn Tattenai and his men. He said:
“6 Now then, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and you other officials of that province, stay away from there. 7 Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site.
8 Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop.
9 Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily without fail, 10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.
11 Futhermore, I decree that if anyone defies this edict, a beam is to be pulled from their house and they are to be impaled on it. And for this crime their house is to be made a pile of rubble. 12 May God, who has caused His Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem. I Darius have decreed it. Let it be carried out with diligence.” (Ezra 6: 6- 12) Hallelujah!
Beloved, have you now seen the importance of the written word? Imagine what the fate of these Israelites would be if King Cyrus did not keep the decree WRITTEN in the archives. Many are the decrees of God found in the Bible permitting our success, progress and prosperity. That is why we “search the scriptures”. If we remain ignorant of the promises and decrees of God embedded in them, the enemy will frustrate us till we give up the hard work and settle for defeat.
Begin to pray now. It is the counsel of the Lord that will stand. Rise up and recover in prayer all that Satan has stolen due to your ignorance of the Word. Now, challenge yourself to search through Scripture every day for the discovery of all of God’s decrees concerning your blessings.
IT IS WRITTEN FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN’S CHILDREN FOR THE SAKE OF “TATTENAI AND HIS COHORTS”. These are people who live by the order of this world and not by the Word of God. Particularly those who allow Satan to use them to destroy the things that God permits to stand.
They will question the authority with which you build so beautifully the life which the enemy had sort to destroy. Hope you are not found wanting at that; because the answer remains decreed and sealed. IT IS WRITTEN IN HIS WORD!
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