God causes all things to Work together to Accomplish His Purposes

Not only did YHWH use the pagan nations to judge His people (cf. Habakkuk), He also uses their selfish 'free-will' to accomplish the redemption of His people Israel.

If the Bible is replete w/ this theme, how then as believers in Christ ought to live, especially if God used the wicked pagans (i.e. unbelieving Jews and Gentiles) to crucify His Son.

Simply this:

1. Praise
2. Courage

Ezra did this, and so ought we. In Christ, we know that God's "good hand is upon us" for good (cf. Rom. 8:31ff.).

God does all things, in old & new covenant to "beautify His temple". In the new covenant, this still applies, as He uses all things to beautify His temple, the church (see Ephesians 3-4).

A great & practical sermon showing that a robust biblical theology is not just for seminary nerds, but for anyone who needs to be reminded of our Sovereign God, who causes all things to work out for good to His people (Rom. 8:28).