Dedication

The people of Israel wanted to return to God.  They were in Babylonian captivity because they had stopped listening to God.  Now, the remnant of Israel had turned back to God in repentance and the LORD had provided a way for them to return to Jerusalem.

So King Darius sent this message: "Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province west of the Euphrates River, and Shethar-bozenai, and your colleagues and other officials west of the Euphrates River--stay away from there! 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. (Ezra 6:6-7 NLT)

We’ve seen over past weeks that the people of the surrounding area did not like this return or this Temple-rebuilding project.  They worked hard to stop it.  But, the LORD worked through the people, including the king of Babylon, to keep the project going.

"Moreover, I hereby decree that you are to help these elders of the Jews as they rebuild this Temple of God. You must pay the full construction costs, without delay, from my taxes collected in the province west of the Euphrates River so that the work will not be interrupted. "Give the priests in Jerusalem whatever is needed in the way of young bulls, rams, and male lambs for the burnt offerings presented to the God of heaven. And without fail, provide them with as much wheat, salt, wine, and olive oil as they need each day. (Ezra 6:8-9 NLT)

God always provides what we need to do what God calls us to do.

Then they will be able to offer acceptable sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the welfare of the king and his sons. (Ezra 6:10 NLT)

Even though king Darius’ motivation was a bit selfish (wanting favor from the Israelite God), the LORD provide everything through the decree of this Babylonian king.  The building project continued until completion.

The Temple was completed on March 12, during the sixth year of King Darius's reign. The Temple of God was then dedicated with great joy by the people of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the people who had returned from exile. During the dedication ceremony for the Temple of God, 100 young bulls, 200 rams, and 400 male lambs were sacrificed. And 12 male goats were presented as a sin offering for the twelve tribes of Israel. (Ezra 6:15-17 NLT)

When the Temple was completed, the people of Israel immediately dedicated it.  This was God’s Temple.  This was the LORD’s house. It was dedicated to the LORD.

How about you?  Do you dedicate God’s Temple (The Church) to the LORD?  How do you do that?  In your walk together with God, do people see dedication?