From the high and holy experience of the blessing at the Jordan, Jesus was led into the wilderness for testing. Jesus was not tempted so that the Father could learn anything about His Son, for the Father had already given Jesus His divine approval. Jesus was tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the Conqueror. He exposed Satan and his tactics, and He defeated Satan. Because of His victory, we can have victory over the tempter.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous, in the line of Aaron. Zechariah's doubt resulted in him being unable to speak for the length of Elizabeth's pregnancy, but the silence is not wasted. Zechariah grows in his relationship with God and God reveals to Zechariah a picture of salvation, what He is doing in this world. There is only one way to be right with God and that is to experience forgiveness in our lives through God's Son. Jesus was to shine a light on those living in darkness and show the path of peace. This is also our mission.

Ezra demonstrates humility and the people follow suit. The large crowd that gathers are convicted of their sin, also mourning and weeping bitterly. Ezra waited on God and continued to pray, fast and mourn for the people. The people obey and, trusting themselves to God, they gather distressed before God. The mixed marriages have to be dissolved, the faithful must separate themselves from the people around them. True confession involves genuine regret and takes personal responsibility. God is holy and righteous.

The Jews got back to work on the temple after 16 years stoppage due to opposition. Tattenai's letter is full of suspicion, a blockage of red tape. Our lives, relationships or work may have frustration and disappointment. Doing God's will can be hard, not easy. We'll never know how God's plan fits together this side of glory but we get glimpses of it in our lives. It's natural for us to see the worst, the impossible, the obstacles, but we need to look beyond to see God's work in all situations.

We will face opposition in the world when we follow Jesus. In this passage we see the restoration in the lives of God's people continue, despite opposition. God is still growing His people. Enemies of Judah and Benjamin pretend to support the building of the temple. They claim to seek "your" God, not their own God. Zerubbabel and the other leaders recognise the falseness behind their proposal. The enemies show their true colours by persistent and ongoing opposition. Our journey of restoration by God is our sanctification and there will be opposition. The more growth we experience, the more likely there will be opposition. We are the church and we build the church.