Joel M Bradshaw

4Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build 5and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.–Ezra 4

1. Just as soon as the building started, Judah faced frustration and opposition.
2. There are two people groups here. People of the land and the people of Judah.
3. These verses are highly relatable. You may start to do good in your life and face opposition from people around you.
4. You may even receive frustrating counsel from the people of the land.
5. Let’s say you are doing good work denying yourself (Luke 9:23), but the world’s counsel is to instead follow your heart. What frustrating guidance!
6. What group do you follow? Who influences you more? The people of God or the people of the land?
7. During frustrating times, where do you turn? Which group has your allegiance?–JMB