9/26/07 - Life Journal - Whoever's Not Against Us is For Us

When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, "Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here." But Zerubbabel, Jeshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, "You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us." Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. They hired counselors to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Ezra 4:1-5

The Israelites passed up the help from "the enemies of Judah and Benjamin", not necessarily because they new they were enemies but more likely because of a dislike or bigotry of these people. What could have been an opportunity for God to work in the enemies hearts turned out to be a major delay in the building of the Temple.

We need everyone! No matter what their circumstances. If we're to reach everyone all denominations must work together. The "enemies" above said that they sought after the Israelites God (though in this case it might have been a ruse but only God truly knows a persons heart). Instead of encouraging others that may be different than us to help us on our mission there is a constant battle within the church that is killing us. We all need to keep focused on the cross. Or goals are the same. Jesus said, "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you." (Luke 9:50)

Lord rid me of my bigotries and preconceived notions. People are put into my life for Your purpose, don't let me turn away possible victories for Your Name.