How do Christians live faithfully when governed by unbelieving leaders, especially in a culture that is often hostile to the Christian faith? This brief section in Ezra gives a clear example of how we can faithfully give witness in a way that is gentle, kind, firm, and clear.
Previously Tattenai, the governor of the province where Jerusalem was situated, had questioned the Jewish leaders about their work rebuilding the temple (see Ezra 5:1–5). There we read that “the eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews” (v. 5). Verses 6–7 introduces the “copy of the letter that Tattenai … sent to King Darius.” And the following verses record the contents of the letter.
The letter informed the king that the Jewish people were rebuilding “the temple of the great God” (v. 8) and that the provincial leaders had inquired about the work (vv. 9–10). The Jewish leaders responded: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, one that a great king of Israel built and finished. But because our ancestors angered the God of heaven, he gave them into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar the Chaldean, king of Babylon, who destroyed this temple and deported the people to Babylon” (vv. 11–12).
Note the content and tone of their response. They witnessed faithfully to the Lord, “the God of heaven and earth,” and gave the theological reason for their exile: “our ancestors angered the God of heaven.” The leaders did not cling to their “rights” or demand that the king and government leaders mind their own business. Instead, they witnessed clearly and faithfully to the true God and stated simply what they were doing and why. Their response shows how we can live faithfully in a non-Christian culture.
Go Deeper
How does the Jewish leaders’ response encourage you? How can their response be a blueprint for faithful witness today?
Pray with Us
Lord, sharing our testimony can be intimidating. Fill us with courage and give us the words to say so we can witness for You. Help us be your faithful witnesses.
We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple.Ezra 5:11
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