Imagine being part of the first group of Jews allowed to return to Jerusalem.
Such joy, relief!
Out of Babylon and back to the land of your ancestors to rebuild the great temple as a sign of devotion to God.
Good intentions to do good things.
But then
SO MUCH OPPOSITION.
The work stops.
So heartbreaking!
But the prophet says to keep going despite all the opposition.
Letters are written to the Persian king trying to “tattle” on the Jews, encouraging the king to use his power to stop their efforts.
So what does the great Persian king Darius do with all of his social status, influence, and power?
He says, “Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.”
He even then tells all these complaining neighbors to give the Jews any material they may need for the temple so that, “they be not hindered”. (Ezra 6:7-8)
Darius didn’t know these Jews. He didn’t really know much about Jerusalem.
But he stood up for the people who were getting picked on and encouraged others to assist, too.
Elder Renlund, in his talk “Infuriating Unfairness” in April 2021, said:
“Brothers and sisters, not throwing stones is the first step in treating others with compassion. The second step is to try to catch stones thrown by others.”
You may not feel that you have the power and influence that Darius used for these Jews.
But how could you be a powerful example of love the next time someone starts gossiping?
How could you be a powerful example of grace the next time someone starts criticizing?
How could you be a powerful example of inclusion the next time someone starts excluding?
Little by little, we can catch the stones meant for those around us, and share love and support instead!
“Let the work of this house of God alone…that they be not hindered.” (Ezra 6:7-8)
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
