阅读经文 

几年来，犹太人却面临着邻国的反对，重建圣殿的工作停滞不前。这些反对者威胁着上帝的子民，并要求波斯王（他控制着这一地区）停止这项工程。但意想不到的事情发生了：国王非但没有停止这项工程，反而确认已经颁布了重建圣殿的法令，他让犹太人的敌人退后，甚至转而支持这项工程！有时，上帝会从意想不到的渠道提供支持，使祂在这个世界上的工作得以继续。

在个人生活和属灵生命中，我们有时也会发现意想不到的支持。即使我们让老师和教练失望，他们也会对我们施以恩典。雇主可能会慷慨地支持我们度过家庭危机。配偶可能会对不忠的伴侣表现出深深的宽容和委身。通过这些行动，我们可以瞥见上帝的怜悯和关怀。

“惟有基督在我们还作罪人的时候为我们死，神的爱就在此向我们显明了”。（罗 5:8）圣洁上帝的仁爱是一份意想不到的礼物。但上帝不仅为耶稣的缘故欢迎我们回到祂身边，祂的灵还通过人和制度——甚至国王和政府——来提醒我们该如何生活，如何做正确的事。这是多么令人喜悦的事啊！

For several years, the rebuilding of the temple stalled while the Jewish people faced opposition from their neighbors. These opponents threatened God's people and called on the king of Persia (who controlled the area) to stop this work. But then something unexpected happened: instead of stopping the work, the king confirmed that a decree had been issued to rebuild the temple, and he told the enemies of the Jews to back off—and even to support the work instead! Sometimes God provides support from unexpected sources to keep his work going in this world.

In our personal and spiritual lives, we may find unexpected support at times too. Teachers and coaches may show us grace even if we have let them down. Employers may support us generously through a family crisis. A spouse may show deep and forgiving commitment to their partner who has been unfaithful. Through actions like these we gain glimpses of the mercy and care of God.

"While we were still sinners, Christ died for us". (Romans 5:8)The gracious love of the holy God is an unexpected gift. But God not only welcomes us back to himself for Jesus' sake; his Spirit also works through people and systems— even kings and governments— to remind us how to live and to do what is right. What a cause for joy!