The Eye of God on His People
“The eye of the Lord is upon those who fear Him, upon those who hope in His steadfast love." (Psalm 33:18)
Ezra 5 records a turning point in Israel’s history when, after a decade and a half of stagnation, the people finally resumed rebuilding the temple. The prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah were instrumental in this revival, calling God’s people to repent and step forward in obedience. Haggai, ever direct, confronted their misplaced priorities, asking why they lived in luxurious homes while God’s house lay in ruins (Hag. 1:4). Zechariah’s ministry complemented Haggai’s, offering not only a call to repentance but also a vision of hope—the promise of the Messiah and a future expansion of God’s kingdom.
Their words took root, stirring the people to action. But opposition quickly followed. Tattenai, governor of the region, suspected rebellion and sought verification from King Darius about whether the Jews truly had permission to rebuild. Despite this, God's providence ensured that the work continued while the investigation was underway. The eye of God was upon His people (Ezra 5:5), a powerful reminder that He sovereignly watches over and advances His purposes, regardless of human opposition.
The Jews’ response to Tattenai reveals their unshaken confidence: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth”(Ezra 5:11). Though politically powerless, they were not defined by earthly status. They knew who they were, and more importantly, Whose they were. Their obedience was not dependent on circumstances but on the unchanging faithfulness of God.
Personalized Journal Entry – The Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
The work of My people had been stalled for years. Discouragement and fear had settled in, convincing them that waiting was wisdom. But I sent My word through My servants, and My truth broke through their hesitation. I spoke through Haggai, calling them to examine their priorities, to see how they had sought their own comfort while neglecting My house. And I spoke through Zechariah, lifting their eyes beyond the present moment to the glorious future I had ordained. Their repentance was not mere sorrow; it was action. The work resumed.
But as they obeyed, opposition arose. Earthly authorities misunderstood their intentions, suspecting rebellion where there was none. A letter was written, inquiries were made, but My eye was upon them. Though men plotted, My purposes would not be thwarted. The work did not cease, for My presence was their shield.
They could have pleaded their case in fear, but instead, they stood firm in their identity: We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth. Not just workers of stone and timber, not merely exiles returned from captivity, but servants of the Sovereign One. The world may see them as weak, but they were upheld by My hand. They did not belong to Babylon, nor Persia, nor any earthly ruler. They belonged to Me.
So it is with you. The voices of doubt may whisper, fear may try to paralyze, but My word remains unchanged. The work I have begun in you will not be hindered. My eye is upon you. No scheme of man, no uncertainty of the future, no worldly opposition can stop what I have decreed. Move forward. The time is now.
(Passages woven into this section: Ezra 5:2, 5, 11; Haggai 1:4; Zechariah 1:3; Philippians 1:6)
Prayer
Father, I thank You that Your eye is always upon me, guiding and protecting as I walk in obedience to You. Just as You called Your people to set aside their fears and resume the work, You call me to trust You in every step. I am not defined by my circumstances but by my identity in You. No opposition, no delay, no earthly uncertainty can alter what You have purposed. You have begun the work, and You will bring it to completion. I choose to walk forward in confidence, knowing that I am Yours, and Your will is unstoppable. Amen.
Credits:
Insights from the Grace and Truth Study Bible. Photo credit to Unsplash.