Scripture: Ezra 5:12
But because our fathers angered the God of heaven, he handed them over to Nebuchadnezzar the Chaldean, king of Babylon, who destroyed this temple and deported the people to Babylon.
Observation: This was in a letter to King Darius explaining why the temple should be rebuilt and respectfully pointing out the decrees that had been made regarding its rebuilding.
The people are explaining why the initial temple was destroyed.
Application: This verse struck me because it shows accountability. These people understood exactly why the temple was destroyed. They knew that their fathers were punished for angering God. Rather than just whine and complain, they recognized the problem and wanted to honor God by rebuilding and serving him.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see my mistakes and wrongdoings and punishments exactly as they are. Guide me as I am being disciplined so that I see the changes you want me to make rather than just chalk bad things up to ‘chance.’ There is no ‘chance,’ only your sovereign plan. Yes, Satan gets in there and messes things up. So guide me in recognizing spiritual warfare for what it is and my mistakes and your response for what they are.
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