The Finishing Touch
The Finishing Touch
When Something’s Almost Complete
A number of years ago, Carolyn and I were invited to a high tea. Carolyn, who is a great baker, made the perfect carrot cake for the occasion. Somehow, I was assigned to add the finishing touch—decorating the top with little carrots made of frosting. I don’t know why I was given that job, but I do know I’ve never been asked to do it again!
The next morning, when Carolyn opened the refrigerator, she gasped. All sixteen of the decorative carrots were gone—surgically removed, frosting untouched. Then our three-year-old appeared, her mouth bright orange. In the middle of the night, she’d snuck out of bed, opened the fridge, and eaten every single carrot.
The cake was beautiful and complete in every way—except for that missing finishing touch.
That’s exactly where we find God’s people in Ezra 6. The foundation of the temple had been laid years earlier. Then the work stopped for about sixteen years. The people had returned to rebuilding, but the project still needed its own finishing touch.
1. Trust the Process
At the end of Ezra 5, the local governor had written to King Darius asking what to do about the rebuilding in Jerusalem. While they waited for a reply, weeks—or even months—went by. The people didn’t know if they would be allowed to continue or if everything would stop again.
But they kept trusting God.
When Darius received the letter, he ordered a search of the royal archives. The decree of Cyrus—authorizing the rebuilding—was found 300 miles away in Ecbatana. Eighteen years had passed since it was written, yet there it was, preserved and ready for this moment.
From one perspective, that looks like a coincidence. From God’s perspective, it was all part of His sovereign plan. Time, distance, and governments are never obstacles to His purposes.
God’s promises don’t expire. His purposes never fail. Even when you can’t see what’s happening, you can trust the process.
Think of a Polaroid photo—when it first comes out, you can’t see the image. Waving it around won’t make it appear faster. The picture is already there; it just needs time to develop.
That’s what it’s like with God’s promises. The plan is already in motion. You may not see it yet, but He’s working. So be patient, and trust the process.
2. Do the Work
After the decree of Cyrus was found, King Darius had a choice—would he support it or shut it down?
To everyone’s relief, he confirmed the decree and doubled down on it. He told the local officials to stay out of the way and to fund the entire rebuilding project from the royal treasury. Even the same people who had opposed the builders were now commanded to provide for them.
God can take any obstacle out of the way and even turn opposition into support.
Darius’ decree ended with a stern warning—anyone who defied it would face severe consequences. Clearly, he was serious. But more than that, God was sovereignly using this pagan king to accomplish His divine purposes.
And so, the temple was finished. Ezra 6:14–15 says, “The elders of the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai and Zechariah… and this house was finished.”
When God’s Word is proclaimed and obeyed, people prosper. The same is true today.
If you want to see God’s blessing in your life, do the work. Engage. Participate. Don’t just pray for wisdom—open His Word. Don’t just ask God to bless your church—serve. Don’t just want better relationships—invest in them.
God blesses not just good intentions, but faithful obedience.
3. Celebrate with Joy
When a long, hard project is completed, there’s a deep sense of relief and joy. That’s what the Israelites experienced when the temple was finally finished.
They dedicated it with an extravagant celebration—hundreds of animals offered to God, joy overflowing among priests, Levites, and all the returned exiles.
Their joy wasn’t just emotional—it was worshipful. They recognized that God had provided what they could never have accomplished on their own.
That’s a good reminder for us. When God answers prayer or brings you through a hard season, stop and celebrate. Worship. Give thanks.
Their celebration continued as they observed the Passover for the first time since their captivity. God had delivered them from Babylon, just as He once delivered their ancestors from Egypt.
He did it again.
Ezra 6:22 says, “They kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had made them joyful.” Their joy wasn’t forced—it was God-given.
True joy doesn’t come from getting everything you want. It comes from recognizing everything God has already done.
The True Finishing Touch
When Carolyn and I pulled out that carrotless cake, it looked perfect except for what was missing on top.
The same was true for Israel. The temple wasn’t the true finishing touch—it was the tool God used to restore their hearts.
The ultimate goal wasn’t a building; it was devotion. And that’s still God’s goal for us.
So if you’re waiting, trust the process.
If the door is open, do the work.
And when God moves, celebrate with joy.
Because the God who began a good work in you is still adding His finishing touches—and one day, when you see Jesus face to face, you’ll understand how every delay, every triumph, and every trial has shaped you into the person He created you to be.
And in that moment, your joy will be full—not because you finished strong, but because He did.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Ezra
Sermon Title: The Finishing Touch
Date: Oct 26, 2025
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Ezra 6:1–22
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