When the Assyrians destroyed Samaria and exiled most of the survivors of the ten northern tribes of Israel in 722BC, the king of Assyria colonised the depopulated areas with his own people. These Assyrians intermarried with the Jews who were left in Israel, creating a mixed population who observed a religion that was a mixture of paganism and Judaism. They became known as ‘Samaritans’. When the southern Kingdom went into exile to Babylon around 600BC the idea was that they too would mix with the Babylonians and lose their distinct national identity. Many did, but there was a faithful remnant who refused to compromise by intermarrying and mixing faiths. These were the ones who chose to return to Jerusalem when the opportunity arose. To these people the Samaritans represented the epitome of compromise. This is why they refused their offer to help build the temple. The temple was a symbol of worship, of complete surrender to God, and there can be no divided loyalty in this. Our culture encourages us to seek personal fulfilment and wellbeing first (with religious constancy) and then intermittently give what remains to a side interest in the Christian faith. Sadly, many Christians live like this, that is, with divided loyalties and sporadic devotion. Such people cannot be true Kingdom-builders. God is not looking for many hands for his work. He is looking for devoted hands.
Reflect on the goals that you sacrifice most for.
Read Ezra 4:1-5 and Matthew 6:19-34
