The Necessity of “NO!”

“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.” But Zerubbabel, Joshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, “You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us.” Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.”

 Ezra 5:1-5

What is easier for you in responding to people’s requests?

Are you able to give a firm “NO!” or do you frequently find yourself saying “Yes!” even though you know the answer should be “NO!”?

All too often I find the easy way out would be to simply say yes

but the necessary answer is instead “no!”

Such was not the case with these leaders of Israel who returned from exile and set about rebuilding the temple. At first blush a “Yes” response to those offering help would have seemed to mean more hands set to the work and so a quicker completion.  

But their wise answer of “no” – though that specific word is not actually in the text – revealed two things.

First, it kept those who would delay and hamper the work from joining in the effort and creating all kinds of problems and secondly, it revealed their hearts. They were not really there to help and the denial of their false offer made it very clear.

Once they were told “no” they set out to discourage the rebuilding effort and even went as far as hiring others to work against them and frustrate their plans. 

Not everyone who brings advice, offers their help or ‘comes to the rescue’ is there because God has sent them.

Some come to delay or inhibit what God has called you to do.   

Sometimes a “NO!” is necessary.

Recognize that God can lead you, even in the area of who you partner with, to accomplish His work.

Beyond that, God may require you to say “No” sometimes when a “Yes” response seems so much easier to deal with.

Learn to seek His counsel in all things and recognize that:

Sometimes a “NO!” is necessary.