Anointed to Build
Following Cyrus’s declaration regarding the freedom and restoration of the Jews in 2 Chronicles, the Jews returned Jerusalem. They built an altar to God and laid the foundation to rebuild the temple. (Ezra 3) In chapter 4, Zerubbabel and the builders experienced opposition from their adversaries. They first tried to convince the builders to include them in the work. When they refused, they discouraged the people and made them afraid to build and bribed leaders against them to frustrate their purpose. (Ezra 4:1-6)
Letters were written to the King who caused the work to cease until the second year of King Darius. Then the prophets prophesied over the Jews and Zerubbabel rose up and began to rebuild the house of God. (Ezra 5:1-2) They experienced opposition a second time but they continued to build. The elders were questioned about where they received permission to rebuild the temple. “And this was their reply to us: ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished.” (Ezra 5:11)
The elders informed the King of the decree which Cyrus had written concerning the Jews rebuilding their city and the temple. The King sent men to search the archives and they found the decree from Cyrus the King. The King gave permission for the work to continue. “And the elders of the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia;” (Ezra 6:14)
I notice how the elders moved at the anointed word of God through the prophets and as the word was prophesied over them, they prospered to complete the work. Although they experienced much opposition, they continued to build and were encouraged by the spoken word. When we set out to do anything great for God, we can expect opposition and discouragement. This is often an indication that you are doing something great and making progress. Surround yourself with people who will continue to speak the life giving word of God over your situation.
“Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.” (Job 22:28)
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
January 5, 2021
