The world's opposition to the Church.
We observe, in reference to the world's opposition to the Church—
I. THAT IT OFTEN SEEKS TO HINDER USEFUL ENTERPRISE, These Samaritans sought to "trouble them in building" (Ezra 4:4). As Israel was employed in rebuilding the ruined temple, so the Church is engaged in erecting a great spiritual temple; this noble enterprise is hindered by the varied enmity of the world. The moral building is hindered as well by the pleasures as by the enmity of men: how sinful to hinder the work of God.
II. THAT IT COMBINES A VARIED AGENCY.
1. Costly. "And hired counsellors against them" (Ezra 4:5). The world often expends much time and money in its opposition to the work of God; it always has "counsellors" ready to take its unprofitable pay. The Church opposes with the unsearchable riches of Christ.
2. Numerous. The enemies of the Church are legion; but more are for it than all that can be against it.
3. Competent. The men here named were capable of the most effective method of obtaining their end; the enemies of the Church are often socially great and mentally gifted. Learning is sometimes arrayed against the Church. But God hath chosen the weak things of the earth to confound the mighty.
4. Influential. These men have influence with the king, and stay the work of Israel. But a faithful Israel has power with God, and shall prevail. Strange are the intellectual and social elements allied against the Church.
III. THAT IT TAKES ADVANTAGE OF POLITICAL CHANGES. "And in the reign of Ahasuerus" (Ezra 4:6). During the former reign the Samaritan enmity did not obtain much favour; but it is more successful with the new king. This opposition is—
1. Persistent. Kings may die, but it continues.
2. Vigilant. It is ever on the outlook for new opportunity.
3. Flattering. Thus it seeks to win its way with the new monarch. The Church must remember that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and ever; his purpose standeth sure.
4. An appeal to self-interest. "En-damage the revenue of the kings" (Ezra 4:13)."
IV. THAT IT MAKES A CUNNING USE OF MISREPRESENTATION. "They will not pay toll" (Ezra 4:13). The worldly opposition represents the Church of God as injurious to the state.
1. Rebellious. "Building the rebellious" (Ezra 4:12). That the Church will obey God rather than the king; true if their laws come into collision; but are not Christians the most law-abiding subjects?
2. Defrauding. "They will not pay toll." But does not the Church render unto God the things that are his, and to Caesar the things that are Caesar's?
3. Hypocritical. They build not the walls of Jerusalem for God, but to shut out the king.
4. Wicked. They designate Jerusalem a "bad city." Thus the world maligns the Church; it spoke evil of Christ; it will undervalue his followers.
V. THAT IT MAKES THE PRETENCE OF A DISINTERESTED MOTIVE. "It was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour" (Ezra 4:14). The world will not allow that its opposition is angry or jealous. The most wicked plans seek the aid of righteous pleas. This opposition appears—
1. Disinterested. It does not seek its own, but the king's welfare.
2. Loyal. They had "the king's maintenance," and therefore inform the king of his peril.
3. Open. They will tell the king plainly of the matter, and he can decide. Thus would the world conceal its hatred to the Church.
VI. THAT IT PUTS A FALSE INTERPRETATION UPON NATIONAL HISTORY. "That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers" (Ezra 4:15).
1. The historical record. The history of the Church is blended with the history of the world; the Divine and human records move together.
2. The historical argument.
3. The historical perversion. History, rightly interpreted, is on the side of the Church.
4. The historical vindication. We justify Israel now and condemn the Samaritans; time will surely vindicate the Church.—E.