Day 101 – Ezra: Character sketch of Zerubbabel

“But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, “You may have no part in this work. We alone will build the Temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us.” Ezra 4:3 NLT

Sometimes God’s ownership of a project is recognised only after our best efforts have failed. It is dangerous to think of God as responsible for the insignificant details while we take charge of the larger aspects of a project. Instead, it is God who is in control, and we submit to His will in part of His overall plan. When God gives us important tasks, it is not because He needs our help. Zerubbabel learned this lesson.

Many Jews settled into comfortable lifestyles and wanted to stay in Babylon, but many longed for their homeland. King Cyrus allowed them to return to their land and rebuild the Temple, and the first pilgrimage was led by Zerubbabel. His name means “seed of Babylon,” and encapsulates the themes of exile and return, judgment and redemption, and the continuity of God’s covenant promises.

Zerubbabel knew how to start well but found it difficult to continue what he had begun. His successes depend on the quality of encouragement he received. He let discouragement get the better of him. But when he let God take control, the work was finished. God turns impossible tasks into accomplishments. Never allow circumstances or lack of encouragement slow us from doing the tasks God has given us.

Strengths and accomplishments

Zerubbabel led the first pilgrimage of Jews back from Persia after the exile and completed the rebuilding of God’s Temple. He demonstrated wisdom in the help he accepted and refused and started the building project with worship as the focal point.

Weaknesses and mistakes

He needed outside encouragement to keep his focus and allowed problems and resistance to stop the work.

Life lessons from Zerubbabel’s life

A leader needs to provide not only the initial motivation for a project but also the continued encouragement necessary to keep going.

Prayer: Father, may any project we start have a focal point of worship to give You all the honour, glory, and praise. May we find our encouragement in You and the people You put in our lives to complete the work You’ve laid in our hearts. Thank You that we can look to Zerubbabel and learn from him. Amen.