DAY 163

OPPOSITION

Ezra 3, 4 & 5 and John 20

Today we read about the “first wave” of people coming to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel. We also note how this work was opposed and we should not be surprised.

As we read chapter 3 of Genesis, Satan makes his appearance opposing God’s will for Adam and Eve – he always is opposed to God’s will. When people, when you, are engaged in doing God’s will, opposition will immediately be present. Some people today think talk of Satan is ancient and superstitious; nothing is further from the truth.

I doubt I have to convince you that there is evil in the world, just turn on the television or read the newspaper. We accept evil, but many today reject that there is a spiritual component to it. Our belief in God is to believe in a world that is “seen and unseen.” Our belief in God is to acknowledge, through faith, that there is a spiritual component to our existence, and further, that we are enmeshed in this spiritual-physical world. In this spiritual-physical world there is evil and the Bible tells us it is not random. The Father of Lies is behind it all.

Therefore when people set off to rebuild the Temple they should not be surprised there is opposition. Who put those opposing its reconstruction up to it? Who do you think?

“In this world you will have trouble, take heart, for I have overcome the world.” Those are Jesus’ words from just a few days ago in John 16:33. Today in John 20 we read how he has broken free the bonds of death, he has defeated the force which sought to kill him – to kill God – that would be…?

In the reading we see the concern and fear and doubt in Mary and the disciples. It is natural. We also see the relief when they come into contact with the Risen Lord.

Three thoughts emerge for me: First this is not some 50-50 battle between God and Satan, with you and me wondering how it will turn out. We already know: Jesus has won! The second thought is that we need to expect opposition when we follow God. Take for example reading the Bible in One Year, do you think this is going to be unopposed? Not for a minute. Yet the more you follow Christ, the more you pray, the more you spend time with God, then the stronger your defense against such attacks. The Third thought is that we need to be close to Jesus. The fear, the concern, and the doubt drained away for those on that first Easter morning – and it will drain away for us when we stay with him.