The Schemes of the Enemy

Ezra 4; Psalms 113, 127; Luke 9  

“When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, ‘Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.’”

Ezra 4:1, 2

How can we discern when offers for assistance are genuine, or a scheme of the enemy?

When those who offer are refused or rejected, their true motives are quickly exposed. These enemies of Judah quickly turned to intimidation, discouragement, accusation, and threats. Their original offer to help was sugar-coated in generosity and religious language. For example: “We all serve the same God, and we have been sacrificing to him.” and “Look at our piety and generosity.” Generous donations and religious language can seduce even the most discerning. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at our hearts.

“Lord Jesus, deliver me from the subtle and deceiving schemes of the enemy, for your glory.”