Ezra 5:1

Ezra 5:1 says, Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them. The rebuilding of the Temple had been stopped by the authority of men, but it was about to restart by the authority of God.  This was nine to fifteen years later according to Matthew Henry.  We as followers of Christ must never allow man-made laws to stop us from doing God's work, even for a short period of time.  Two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to the people of Israel by the leadership and power of the Holy Spirit.  As Christians we today need to listen to the leadership of the Holy Spirit and act under His authority and power. 

Verse two adds, Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.  We are told two men, Zerubbabel and Jeshua, began to rebuild the Temple with the help of the prophets, though they had no governmental authority to do so.  We today, even if there are very few of us doing so, need to do what God has called us to do, even if it goes against governmental authority.  

Verse three continues, At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?  It didn't take long for the government officials to come to them and ask by whose authority were they rebuilding the Temple and wall.  If we go against the laws of man and follow the laws of God, it may not be long before we have government officials coming to us and asking us under whose authority are we acting. 

Verse four states, Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building? They then asked the names of the men building the building. If people asked today who is doing God's work, even if it is against man-made law, we need to pray that our name would be listed.  

Verse five adds, But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.  Since God was with them, those who were questioning them could not stop them.  Though these two rulers may have wanted to stop the rebuilding of the Temple, they couldn't do so without the authorization of Darius, and he was written concerning the matter. Actually, since God had told them to continue the work, it shouldn't have mattered what earthly ruler had authorized it.  We must always follow God's leadership no matter what.