Humor

September 19, 2008

I think that God has the most delightful sense of humor. In the book of Ezra, the king of Persia tells the people to return home and build there temple because God is the God. While they are rebuilding it the king dies and peopleconvince the new King that it is wrong for the temple to be rebuilt. So work stops. Later on a new king takes over and the people hear from God to start again, so they do without permission. The descendants of the original trouble makers try to stop it again and ask thenew king to study if what the Hebrews say is true. The king not only confirms that it is but then adds:


Ezra 6:6-12 (ESV)
“Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai, and your associates the governors who are in the province Beyond the River, keep away.Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site.Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God. The cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province from Beyond the River.And whatever is needed—bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests at Jerusalem require—let that be given to them day by day without fail,that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons.Also I make a decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of his house, and he shall be impaled on it, and his house shall be made a dunghill.May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who shall put out a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God that is in Jerusalem. I Darius make a decree; let it be done with all diligence.”


How ironic. Not only does God protect them so they can rebuild, but then He has a threat delivered that who ever does hinder the people will get a beam pulled from their house to get killed with.

What a sense of humor. Do not ever let any one tell you there is no fun in being a Christian.



Read through the Bible in historical order
Today
Ezra 4:1-6:22, Psalms 137:1-9
Tomorrow
Haggai 1:1-2:23
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