“And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.”
(Ezra 6:22)
This passage in Ezra 6 states a remarkable truth that causes God’s people to rejoice. King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree for the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem after being taken captive by Babylon 70 years earlier. He also supported the rebuilding of their temple, previously plundered and destroyed by their captors, and the restoration of their homeland.
And yet, from beginning to end, the work was God’s. And that truth was the cause for their rejoicing! Though Cyrus issued the decree, it was the Lord who stirred his spirit. Though the people rose to build, it was God who raised their hearts. Though prophets spoke, it was God who gave their words power. Though kings had once opposed the work, God turned their hearts to favor it. Even the mightiest obstacles were removed by divine influence.
This truth is repeated throughout the history of redemption. God builds His church by His own Spirit.[1] He does not rely on human power, worldly wisdom, or outward strength. Rather He takes weak instruments, unlikely means, and improbable circumstances, and through them accomplishes His purposes.
The church has often stood against overwhelming opposition, yet it has endured and advanced. Why? Because the work is God’s. When He builds His house, the work stands.
Every advance of the gospel and every movement of hearts toward God is the result of divine grace. Even when men oppose, God can turn their hearts. Even when circumstances seem impossible, God can make a way.
Moreover, no one can claim credit for what God has done. He uses His people, but the power is His. The labor may be ours to give, but the success is His. The building of His house is His own work, and He will not share His glory with another.
Therefore we give thanks not only for what is accomplished, but for how it is accomplished—that God Himself is at work, guiding, stirring, overcoming, and completing His purposes by His Spirit.
Contemplations:
- Thankful for God’s sovereign work in all things. Lord, I know that every good work is ultimately Yours. What is begun, sustained, and completed in righteousness comes from Your hand. You rule over circumstances, people, and events to accomplish Your purposes. I am grateful that nothing is left to chance, but all is governed by Your wisdom.
- Thankful that God turns hearts according to His will. Father, thank You that You are able to turn the hearts of men, even kings, rulers, and authorities. All are under Your control. What seems impossible to man is easily accomplished by You. I am grateful that no opposition can stand when You determine to act.
- Thankful that God uses weak instruments for His glory. Lord, I am grateful that You do not depend on human strength to accomplish Your work. You use weak, ordinary, and unlikely means so that Your power may be displayed. I am also grateful that the success of Your kingdom does not rest upon human ability but upon Your Spirit.
- Thankful for joy given by God Himself. Father, true joy comes from You. Your people rejoice because You make them joyful. Our joy is not rooted in outward success alone, but in seeing Your hand at work.
Prayer (Thanksgiving)
Sovereign and gracious God, thank You that the work of Your house is accomplished by Your Spirit and not by human power. You are the One who begins, sustains, and completes every good work. All success in Your kingdom flows from Your hand.
Thank You for stirring the hearts of men according to Your will. You move kings, rulers, and nations to accomplish Your purposes. What appears impossible to human eyes is easily done by Your power. You turn opposition into assistance and make even enemies serve Your design.
Thank You for using weak instruments to accomplish great things. You do not rely on human strength, wisdom, or might, but display Your power through what the world considers small and insignificant.
Thank You for the joy You give Your people when they see Your hand at work. As the source of true joy, You fill our hearts when we behold Your grace and faithfulness. So let my joy not be tied to outward success but to Your presence and Your work.
Forgive me for relying on strength, strategy, or circumstance rather than upon You, and teach me to depend wholly on Your power in all things.
Let my heart continually give thanks for Your sovereign work in the world, in the church, and in my own life. May I never forget that all good comes from You, and may all glory return to You.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for Ezra 6:22:
Ezra 7:27; 2 Chron. 30:21; Prov. 21:1; Isa. 44:23
[1] Thomas Goodwin, The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 12 (Edinburgh: James Nichol, 1866), 121–123.
