Ezra 6:7 Do not disturb the construction of the Temple of God. Let it be rebuilt on its original site, and do not hinder the governor of Judah and the elders of the Jews in their work. ... 12 May the God who has chosen the city of Jerusalem as the place to honor his name destroy any king or nation that violates this command and destroys this Temple.
“I, Darius, have issued this decree. Let it be obeyed with all diligence.”
What an amazing story of God's sovereignty over the mightiest kingdoms of the earth. As we follow the rebuilding of the temple, under command and protection of no less than the Persian Kings Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes, I am brought back to thoughts of Daniel. Brought as a captive to Babylon most probably in his teens, he rose to serve in high government for seventy years. His proximity and favor with at least three of the four kings he served under must have been a determinant in the release of the Jews from captivity, the rebuilding of the walls and temple, and the inexplicable benevolence of kings Cyrus and Darius.
Daniel has been my hero and ideal since embarking on the task of home schooling my kids. He figures prominently in the Philosophy of Christian Education that we studied in the "early days". Yet today, in this passage, it struck me that Daniel paid the price of being a subject of foreign dominance, of being an alien, and exile for the rest of his life. Yes, he was an Israelite like no other in his allegiance, zeal and faith. But he never got to go home, build a family, see the land of his roots. He was a lone rock in a desolate land. Tragic? Glorious? It is sobering to me. Am I willing to release my own children to such a future? Can we look past the emotional pain of separation, the scorn of cultural convention and the derision of accusing voices in our mind?
Lord, your will is above ours, your thoughts are higher. Your understanding no one can fathom.
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