The books of
Ezra and Nehemiah are quick reads and interesting narratives. Both describe the
adventures of exiles who return to Jerusalem from Babylon/Persia with a
specific mission. Ezra returned to rebuild the temple and re-institute the
teaching of God’s Word; and Nehemiah returned to rebuild the walls and gates of
Jerusalem and bring order to its governance. Look, for example, at the
description of Ezra in chapter 7:
. . . . this Ezra went up from
Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the LORD, the God
of Israel, had given, and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on
him. . .
For on the first day of the first
month he began to go up from Babylonia, and on the first day of the fifth month
he came to Jerusalem, for the good hand
of his God was on him. For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the
LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. (Ezra 7:6, 9-10 ESV)
God’s hand certainly
was upon Ezra and also Nehemiah, but both of them had very difficult jobs and (on
top of that) met with immediate opposition. Unfortunately their work (God’s plan)
was blunted by a variety of physical challenges and selfish human interests. Momentum
on both endeavors actually ground to a halt for a time.
One is
prompted to ask, “Why, Lord? Things started out so well. . .”
At the
beginning, God gave both men wisdom, opportunity, and favor with their
respective bosses, and miraculously provided for both men to return to
Jerusalem. In fact, God miraculously prompted two different pagan kings to fund
the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple—things their predecessors had
destroyed (by the way.) The amount of gold and silver and other resources given
to each man was staggering! So one would think the tough part of their projects
was over. Not so fast . . .
Now, fast
forward for a moment; it may be safe to assume that you can count several “good
things” falling into place for you in your recent past. These positive occurrences
were either the result of great timing, good luck, coincidence, or possibly a
miracle. But, perhaps following those amazing gifts of good fortune, troubles
soon followed. You have had the same question, “Why, Lord? Things started out
so well. . .”
First, our
struggles may be more sociological than theological; and it is basic human
nature to want things to go our way—all of the time. American culture takes it
a bit further: we want things to go our way, all of the time, now!
We have been raised to think, “Forget the journey, God, and just get me through
this quickly . . .”
Part of the
answer to our question “why?” is found in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah
themselves. In short, there is grace in our struggles: Grace for learning, strengthening,
increased faith and dependence upon God. There is grace for not only changing us,
but becoming a light for others.
God provides
grace for a level of experience with Him that is not possible apart from
difficulty. And God’s goals are often different than our goals, anyway—and for
Him the process can be just as important as the end result. God aims for a new heart, Christ-likeness,
trust, friendship, and obedience. He longs to make us complete, filled with His
joy, and power, and peace. We, on the other hand, would often settle for
something shiny, but far more transitory.
Consider
this analogy; how many of us upon being fortunate enough to make the roster of
a NCAA basketball team would believe that our days of practice were over? Great
fortune? Yes! Struggles over? No! Likewise, God has big plans for you and I,
and getting there can be our greatest blessing (while at the same time!) it is never easy. Hang in there!
God is at work and He is good!
