Big Task = Big Opposition

Then, when the copy of King Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their associates, they went in haste to the Jews at Jerusalem and by force and power made them cease. Then the work on the house of God that is in Jerusalem stopped, and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
(Ezra 4:23-24 ESV)

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Zerubbabel doesn’t get much attention in Christendom, but when you look at the history of Israel, he plays a very important and difficult role.
After being allowed by the king of Persia to start building up Jerusalem and it’s temple, people from the land of Samaria oppose it ruthlessly. Zerubbabel has to lead the people in continuing to build through all this opposition. Eventually, these adversaries convince a later king to order the building to stop, and they succeed.

Rebuilding the city and temple actually ceases for fifteen years.

But Zerubbabel and the leaders don’t give up. They are later able to continue building, still with lots of opposition.

As I reflect on this situation and the difficulties surrounding it, I’m amazed at the fortitude and perseverance of Zerubbabel. He, along with the other leaders, pressed on through every obstacle; in constant fear of the neighboring peoples who were fierce and unforgiving in their opposition. It’s already hard enough to motivate people to do something big while they’re living comfortable, safe lives; how much harder must it be to motivate others toward a God-sized task when they’re living in fear and everyone around them is against their efforts.

When I look at my short time in ministry thus far, I’ve come to a point where I realize that things rarely ever work out the way you originally plan them. This isn’t true only about ministry, but life in general. Currently, I really feel the Lord moving our youth ministry to be much more involved with social justice - to join the global church in righting the wrongs of the world. But I’m reminded by Zerubbabel today that I need to expect opposition, and it may be fierce. I also need to have a heart to press on past discouragement. It may even take more than 15 years to realize something like this; but if it is the Lord’s will, he will make it happen in his timing.

My heart needs to be set to be in the game for life. Even though great strategic plans and vision may seem foolproof, it’ll never turn out the way I envision it.

Lord, please infuse my heart with the will to press on beyond all obstacles. Your calling is great and fulfilling, and it is precisely because of that I must expect the opposition to be great also. Small tasks come with small opposition. May I rest on your word and guidance, in the name of Jesus and his kingdom - amen.