"Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the descendants of the captivity were building the temple of the LORD God of Israel, they came to Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the heads of the fathers' houses, and said to them, 'Let us build with you, for we seek your God as you do; and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esarbaddon King of Assyria, who brought us here.' "
Ezra 4:1-2
These who claimed to be worshipers of the God of Israel were not descendants of Abraham. They were alien settlers who were brought in to occupy the land after the Israelites were taken to Babylon. They did not want to see the Israelites to be reformed as a nation with its temple because it would threaten their claim to the land. So they pretended to be supportive but their true intent was to disrupt. It is important to understand that not everyone who claims to be a part of the kingdom work has pure motives. Some are there to destroy the work of the Lord. Jesus Himself said there would be wolves who come in sheep's clothing. We are admonished: "Do not believer every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they be of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (I John 4:1). To accept everyone at face value is to invite problems. It is wise when a newcomer presents himself for service to have a time of testing before giving him or her a place of ministry.
Today's Thought: Not everyone who claims to be a worshiper of God should be accepted immediately into kingdom work.
Have an "alert" day. Love you.
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