Back to Work
Back to Work
Ezra 5:1–17
Ezra: Return. Rebuild. Renew
Getting Back to Work
After time away, it can be hard to get back to work — whether it’s returning from vacation or even returning to a purpose that’s been set aside. The Israelites in Ezra 5 found themselves in just such a place. They had started rebuilding God’s temple with enthusiasm, but after opposition and delay, the work stopped for fifteen long years. Then God called them to start again — to get back to work.
When God’s People Reunite with His Purpose
Some reunions probably shouldn’t happen (looking at you, Rescue from Gilligan’s Island), but one reunion that’s always worth celebrating is when God’s people reunite with His purpose. Ezra 5 tells the story of that moment — when the people once again rose up to do what God had called them to do.
1. Obey When God Speaks
“Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah… prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them.” — Ezra 5:1
God spoke through His prophets, reminding the people that His house still lay in ruins while they were living comfortably in their own homes. The message struck their hearts, and their leaders, Zerubbabel and Jeshua, “arose and began to rebuild.”
Fifteen years of delay had dulled their urgency. The unfinished temple had become part of the scenery — like a cluttered corner of the basement you stop noticing after a while. But when God spoke through His prophets, the people saw the situation through fresh eyes and were moved to act.
In the same way, God’s Word exposes the “clutter” in our own lives — the habits, words, or attitudes we’ve ignored for too long. Maybe it’s the way we talk to others, or the way we give less than our best, or a sin we’ve justified as normal. When God speaks, it’s time to respond.
As Scripture reminds us:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…” (Ephesians 4:29)
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)
When God speaks, don’t delay. Delayed obedience is disobedience.
Get back to work — obey His call.
2. Endure When Challenge Comes
“As soon as they began to build, Tattenai… came to them and asked, ‘Who gave you a decree to build this house?’” — Ezra 5:3–4
No sooner had the rebuilding begun than opposition returned. The Persian governor, Tattenai, questioned their authority and demanded names — an intimidation tactic meant to shut down the project.
But this time, the people didn’t give in to fear. Why?
Because “the eye of their God was on them.” (Ezra 5:5)
They had learned from the past that God’s presence changes everything. He doesn’t promise the absence of pressure, but the fullness of His presence. Knowing God is watching, guiding, and strengthening us allows us to endure when challenges arise.
Just as a parent runs beside a child learning to ride a bike — steadying, encouraging, assuring — God is right beside us in every step of obedience.
So when resistance comes, don’t assume you’re doing something wrong. Sometimes the pushback is proof you’re on the right track. Endure when challenge comes.
3. Let the Truth Be Known
After Tattenai’s questioning, a letter was sent to King Darius explaining the situation (Ezra 5:7–17). The rebuilders were described truthfully — hardworking, respectful, and confident in their mission. Their own response to Tattenai was humble and honest:
“We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth…” — Ezra 5:11
They didn’t twist the truth to gain favor. They admitted their past failures, acknowledged God’s judgment, and stood firmly on His calling. Their integrity became their testimony.
Likewise, we don’t need to clean up our story or hide our past. When we own it and point to God’s grace, His power is magnified. The same God who restored Israel is still restoring lives today.
So when the world asks why you live differently, speak the truth plainly:
“I am a servant of the God of heaven and earth.”
Getting Back to Work Today
God is still calling His people to get back to work.
Maybe it’s a calling you’ve set down, a ministry you’ve drifted from, or a relationship that needs rebuilding. Maybe you’ve let fear, distraction, or discouragement slow you down.
The same God who stirred the hearts of His people in Ezra’s day is stirring ours. His Word is spoken. His Spirit is moving. His eye is on you.
When God speaks, obey.
When challenge comes, endure.
And when you’re asked why you do what you do, let the truth be known:
You are a servant of the God of heaven and earth.
The foundation is already laid.
Now — let’s get back to work.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Ezra
Sermon Title: Back to Work
Date: Oct 26, 2025
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Ezra 5:1–17
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