The returned exiles had reset the foundations of the temple, but had then encountered resistance. Opponents of the project wrote a letter to the king of Persia indicating that Jerusalem had been “a rebellious and wicked city” and warning him “if this city is rebuilt and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and the royal revenue will be reduced” (Ezra 4:12-13). The king’s reply forced the work to cease (4:17-24).

But the ministry of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah stirred the people to continue (5:1-2, 6:14). Several further rounds of correspondence between Judea and Persia were necessary to find in the archive the original decree of King Cyrus authorizing the rebuilding of the temple (5:3-6:12). In the end, however, the work was continued and came to completion (6:15). A joyful celebration and dedication of the temple was held (6:16-17).

The first Passover after the temple had been restored was particularly notable: “With joy they celebrated the festival of unleavened bread seven days; for the Lord had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel” (6:22).

The tasks God entrusts to us can be quite extensive, requiring sustained effort over time; and there are often people who oppose the work. Yet in the end, when we have persevered in the face of difficulties, it is especially satisfying to bring to fulfillment the project God assigned to us.

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Teach us diligence, O Lord: grant us the grace to press on when we encounter challenges, confident that you will hold us and sustain us as we seek to do your will, with all our hearts.