So there you are, wrestling about whether or not to do the right thing. You finally step out and do it. But instead of people lining the street to cheer you on in your victory, they’re lining up to throw rocks at you. I think that this is what the Jews felt like when they finally made it back from Babylon to build their temple. They were doing something right. But instead of people encouraging them, they found themselves facing opposition.
It’s interesting to see how the opposition came about. It began because someone got offended. The “adversaries†of the Jews found out about the temple and they said they wanted to help (Ezra 4:1). But the Jews, being extra careful to do everything the right way, declined the offer of help. And so it began. Accusations were made, letters were written, sides were taken, and in the end the government of Persia ordered the Jews to stop building their temple. And for a period of years, the great work stopped.
Has God been nudging you in a certain direction? Have you recently stepped out to serve God a little more? Whether it’s learning to share your faith with someone at work, handing out bulletins on Sunday morning, teaching a Sunday School class, or being in full time ministry, you are going to face opposition. And just like the temple project, sometimes people get offended. Though we might try hard to avoid it, some people will always get offended. We should not be surprised at these things. There is an enemy that wants the work of God stopped. He will stir up trouble every chance he gets. Don’t be surprised. Be ready. Keep serving.