Built by God's Decree

The king’s word held power in Persia. Darius’s decrees were not light suggestions for what could happen. When he sent out his word, it was a sure thing.

So when Darius decreed that the temple would be rebuilt, the exiles started working (Ezra 6:4).

When he decreed that no one could interfere, the exiles got a smooth path (Ezra 6:7).

When he decreed that the royal treasury was open, the exiles were fully supplied (Ezra 6:8-9).

The king’s word did the work.

The moment Darius sent out his endorsement, the exiles moved forward with confidence. With the king’s word behind them, they could do all things.

But while they built, stone by stone, they knew a higher word than Darius’s was holding it all together.

“So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, a descendant of Iddo. They finished building the temple according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.

“For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.” (Ezra 6:14, 22)

The Lord headlines the list of builders because the construction was completed according to his word. Darius looked like the major mover, but the temple rose only because God first said so.

God’s words are not suggestions. They are not feeble mumbles that vanish in the air without effect. When God speaks a word, it comes to pass (see Isaiah 55:11).

When he says, “Let there be light,” the dark becomes light. When he says, “Let the waters swarm,” creatures fill the seas. When he says, “Let my people go,” Pharaoh falls and the Red Sea splits.

If Darius’s word of confidence strengthened the exiles, how much more should the words of God strengthen you?

Like the temple, your life is built by God’s decree. His word will work its way out, no matter how much your surroundings and circumstances seem to stand against it.

How much weight are you giving to Darius’ decree?

How much weight are you giving to what God has spoken over you?

“Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.” (Psalm 119:161)

“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no breath.” (Psalm 146:3)

The prince’s word, for good or for bad, is nothing next to the word of the Lord.

Have people’s opinions taken more weight in your soul than what God has spoken over you? Go back to the Scriptures at once, and the Spirit will center the scale. He will show you what is silver and what is chaff.

There is a reason why God’s name came first on the list. Though princes and leaders and cosmic powers refute his call on your life, the heavenly construction plans will win out by divine decree.