Now if it pleases the king, let a search be conducted in the king's treasure house, which is there in Babylon, if it be that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send to us his decision concerning this matter. (Ezra 5:17)
It’s always good to know the content of the king’s decree. When the enemies of the people of God were trying to stop the project of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, the people of God would not quit working as long as they had an authoritative order in place. Even though there had been a power shift, the edict of Cyrus had not been rescinded, at least as far as they had been informed. The appeal to Darius was brilliant. They requested that the king look at Cyrus’s order and then let them know of his decision. Authority was approached without any disrespect or dishonor or rebellion. But they would not stop the work at the word of a representative of inferior authority. They rested their case on the precedent of the previous order while acknowledging the authority of the present power structure. Learn this lesson. The enemy of our souls tries to stop our work in being used to restore righteousness in God’s kingdom. But we must appeal to the edict in place. What has the King said about the Kingdom of God? And has His order been modified or rescinded or is it still in place? Let all power and authority rest in the strength of God’s edict. Shall we stop the work because of the enemy’s attack or distraction or persecution? Not till the King says so…and there is only One Most High God. It’s always good to know the content of the King’s decree. The Bible, the Word of God, is indeed the King's decree. So work on until the Lord says it's time to stop the work. We have our orders. Thus says the Lord…It is written!
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