GO UP AND BUILD. Ezra 1:3-4 God commanded Cyrus to build a temple in Jerusalem for Him to dwell with His people, but Cyrus did not command the Israelites to do this; he gave them permission to go up. People were granted the privilege of returning to Jerusalem and following the faith of their ancestors in the place where the Lord chose to place His name, but it was their choice. Those who didn’t want to go or couldn’t for some reason were to offer assistance by donating gold, silver, and other items to help rebuild the temple.
Not everyone could make the trip to Jerusalem. It was about a 900-mile journey through difficult terrain, making it hard for elderly people or those with young children to travel that far. However, some who are connected to the mind of God aren't discouraged by obstacles. Some Jews in Babylon had become successful and wealthy and wanted to stay where they were. They were able to help with the rebuilding through their financial support.
This was like a small “exodus,” something like had happened when the Egyptians gave the children of Israel a great quantity of valuables. The difference here was the Jews were able to work together, but in various ways, to build the temple. Some would go and do the work, while others supported the effort by making needed supplies available.
This is how almost every venture is accomplished. Some step out to serve and gain recognition through their work, while others provide support and are not even acknowledged for their contributions to the shared task. Teamwork is essential whether one is openly serving or working quietly in the background. As one sales manager told a salesman, “Never mind who gets the credit as long as the firm shows a profit.” When any work is done, we must be careful to GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY!
Daniel prospered, but due to age and his position in the government, he could not make the journey. However, it is expected that he would have supported those who could go. Fellowship and a united purpose are expressed in various ways. Some contribute time and talent, while others provide financial support and encouragement to the workers who go out to labor in the harvest. People who "use the sword" and those who "stand by the stuff" both share in God's work. "We are workers together with Him."
It is our privilege to support the work of the Lord being done by others through effective and specific prayer. We can learn the details of a need by communicating with the Lord's servants via letters, emails, and phone calls. Additionally, a visit to the place where others are doing their work opens our eyes, minds, and hearts to the workers, the people, and the environment where they labor. Financial support is an ongoing need in any outreach and is a meaningful way to show fellowship and interest.
The house of God is significant to the Lord. It serves as the gathering place for His people. Each local assembly represents the "house of God" where God dwells. Every individual in an assembly has a role—whether to stay in one place and perform a task in any way possible, or to go to "the regions beyond" and build something new for God where "His name has not been known." Each gift and each unique position should work together toward the common goal. Our aim is to see the "vast building" completed and to give our Lord Jesus Christ the honor He deserves worldwide.