Ezra 4:2
“They came to Zerubbabel [now governor] and to the heads of the fathers’ houses and said, Let us build with you, for we seek and worship your God as you do, and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.”
Well, they didn’t let the Samaritans help, and it looks to me like it cost them big time. Call their reasons for rejection prejudice, call it exclusivity, call it paranoia. Whatever it was, it caused some serious problems for Israel. For well over 150 years, Israel had to deal with a embittered Samaritan people because of Israel’s rejection of their offer to help.
The Samaritan response was one of retaliation, which too reveals that perhaps their motives were evil. Whether it was a provoked response or their original intent, I’m not sure. What I am sure of, though, is that things certainly could have worked out differently during this crucial time in Israel’s history.
The lesson learned, and one that is especially emphasized by New Testament thinking, is that we should welcome all who want to contribute to the advance of God’s Kingdom. Regardless of race, tradition, and even non-essential element of doctrine, all are invited to participate in what God is doing today.
If you love Jesus and want to help people, I say come on! Let’s build together. Let’s get the job done. We might not see eye to eye on every little issue, but that’s not the big deal. Jesus is the big deal. Let’s work together for His glory.