Ezra 5:5: “But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, so that they could not make them cease till a report could go to Darius. Then a written answer was returned concerning this matter.”

October 28th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

For 16 years, no work was done on the temple. The people had been easily hindered by the other nations living in the land. But God called them to start the work again and they obeyed. Almost immediately there was another attempt at opposition as the local officials wanted to send a letter to the king of Persia making sure the Jews had authorization to rebuild their temple and city. But this time the people weren’t stopped, because God’s eye was upon them, to help them.

That is a beautiful statement of God’s watchful care over His people. The song “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” reminds us that everyone who has repented and surrendered their life to God’s care can be assured He is filtering everything that comes into their path. These embattled believers were being assured of God’s support, that He was working on their behalf. The psalmist also tells us this: “Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, / On those who hope in His mercy” (Psalm 33:18).

One only needs to look at the secular history going on at that time to see how God was moving kings and rulers to accomplish His will on earth. God’s people were returning to their work, so He placed Darius on the throne. The prophet Daniel was his counselor and friend, thus Darius sided with the Jews. Some believe this occurred after the famous incident of Daniel in the lion’s den, where Darius saw just how powerful Daniel’s God was as He stopped the mouths of the lions and saved Daniel’s life. It makes us smile when we realize these men were sending a letter to Darius to try and convince him to stop the work on the temple of the very God who had just revealed Himself to him. Truly God is in control. What are you struggling to try and control in your life today? It is far better to simply commit your struggles afresh to God Almighty and ask Him to take care of it for you.

“LORD, please keep Your watchful eye on those things which concern us today.”