Daily Devotions
10/3/26 Ezra 5, 6; Psalm 138; Luke 16 These texts explore stewardship and faithfulness across radically different contexts—one depicting institutional trust despite political opposition, the other exposing how misplaced loyalty corrupts personal integrity. Divine Protection and Institutional Accountability When Haggai and Zechariah prophesied, Zerubbabel and Jeshua began rebuilding God’s house with the prophets’ assistance. ( Ezra 5–6 ) When regional officials challenged their authority, God protected the Jewish elders, preventing interference until a report reached King Darius. ( Ezra 5–6 ) The officials’ letter to Darius acknowledges the work proceeds diligently and succeeds through the people’s efforts ( Ezra 5–6 )—yet the narrative makes clear that human diligence operates under divine oversight. Psalm 138 reinforces this dynamic: God fulfills His purpose, and His love is eternal; He will not abandon the work of His hands. Both texts establish that faithful stewardship of God’...