The Lord's Instruments: Opposition, Unexpected Aid, and the Great Work

There's a profound comfort in recognizing that the Lord's work isn't confined to the righteous. It's a truth often wrestled with, especially as we navigate a world increasingly hostile to the principles of the Restoration. The account of Ezra and Nehemiah, as discussed in the recent podcast episode, powerfully illustrates this principle. The rebuilding of Jerusalem, the temple, and the protective walls wasn't solely the product of Israel's faithfulness, but the result of the Lord’s intervention through a Persian king who, though not of the covenant, became an instrument in His hands.

This isn’t a novel concept, of course. Isaiah foretold the rise of Cyrus, declaring him God’s anointed to restore the remnant of Israel (Isaiah 45:13). Yet, the reality of a gentile king facilitating the return of God’s chosen people often elicits a degree of cognitive dissonance. We, as Latter-day Saints, are called to be agents in a great work, and it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that only those who share our exact convictions can assist in that endeavor. The experience of Ezra and Nehemiah—and their encounters with Samaritans, whose hearts were hardened against them—serves as a potent corrective.

The podcast rightly pointed out the significance of recognizing that opposition is an inevitable companion to any righteous undertaking. Nehemiah faced scorn, threats, and attempts to dissuade him from his calling (Nehemiah 6:3). Their labor wasn’t met with universal acceptance or enthusiastic support. Similarly, we face a world that often views our efforts—our commitment to temple covenants, our pursuit of righteousness—with suspicion and antagonism. The threats against Supreme Court justices, the escalating cultural battles, are but echoes of the opposition faced by those who strive to rebuild the walls of Zion.

The Lord's willingness to employ those outside the covenant, and even those seemingly opposed to His work, is a crucial lesson for these times. It calls us to expand our understanding of who might be willing to assist in the gathering of Israel. It demands humility, recognizing that our efforts are ultimately dependent on His grace and orchestration. We are called to be diligent, to be faithful, to be obedient, but also to be discerning, to seek opportunities to collaborate, even with those who may not share our full understanding of the gospel.

It’s also a reminder that the “great work” isn't solely about physical structures. While the rebuilding of the temple and walls was paramount, the spiritual restoration—the turning of hearts back to the Lord—was equally vital. Ezra’s role as a scribe, diligently teaching the law, underscores this point. Our own “great work” includes not only building temples and strengthening families, but also diligently sharing the gospel and upholding the principles of righteousness in a world increasingly shrouded in darkness.

The conversation about the differing perspectives within families regarding engagement in cultural battles resonated deeply. There's a tension between active advocacy and quiet faithfulness, and navigating that tension requires prayer, counsel, and a reliance on the Spirit. Ultimately, each Latter-day Saint must determine how best to serve the Lord in their own sphere.

Let us ponder the example of Ezra, Nehemiah, Zerubbabel, and Cyrus. Let us seek to understand the Lord’s purposes and to identify the opportunities He provides for us to participate in His work—even when those opportunities come through unexpected sources and amidst opposition.