Today’s Scripture: Ezra 7:15, NLT – “We also commission you to take with you silver and gold, which we are freely presenting as an offering to the God of Israel who lives in Jerusalem.”
In Ezra 7:6, we are told that Ezra was well-versed in the Laws of Moses, as a skilled scribe, he knew the laws that the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. We are also told that the current king Artaxerxes granted Ezra all his requests, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.
I am thankful for those like Ezra who are well-versed with the laws and the kings. I cannot keep track of people today much less those from thousands of years ago. However, I have come to know that God can live in unexpected people and places that continue to surprise and bless us.
Ezra 7:9 informs us that it took Ezra 4 months to travel this far from Babylon to the land he now found himself in. He only made it this far because the “good hand of his God upon him.” We can trust the hand and purposes of God in unexpected places and people.
In the very next verse of Ezra 7:10, we are told that “Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” How are we preparing our hearts day after day and where are we traveling to? Do we have goals and expectations as to where God is calling us? Like Ezra, we can best prepare our hearts in the laws of the LORD.
Ezra needed a decree from King Artaxerxes for him and God’s people to be able to travel the rest of the way to Jerusalem. The God of Ezra used Artaxerxes to make his way clear. It has always hit me that in today’s verse Ezra 7:15 Artaxerxes made it clear that he knew he was sending Ezra and others to Israel to where he thought the God of Israel lived or dwelled.
Artaxerxes did not know God from Adam, but God used him and the little understanding he had to be a blessing to God’s people who you and I are still reminded of today. Little did he know that the God of Israel was right there with him and Ezra that day. I am so thankful that our God can use unexpected people and ways to help us fulfill what He is preparing in our hearts.
We must only concern ourselves with the preparation of our hearts and we can trust that our God is also at work making our way clear. This king opened the royal vaults for anything Ezra needed. We too have people in our lives or who will be along our paths that will have exactly what we need.
In Ezra 7:27, we are told that “Praise be to the LORD, the God of our ancestors, who has put it into the king’s heart to bring honor to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way.” (NIV) The same God who is preparing our hearts for service puts His will into hearts of those who can help us fulfill His will.
Ezra 7:28 states that Ezra was encouraged and so can we be. Knowing we are seeking to complete the will of God we can take courage that God will complete His work in us, whether we can see it or understand it. So, we can live courageously today because the LORD, our God, lives here.
Today’s Prayer: Father God, God of Israel, thank You for living here. Thank You for Your presence and unfailing love for us. Dear God please prepare our hearts for what we are to fulfill for You. I am praising You LORD for placing Your gracious hand on me and those who are helping to make my way clear for You. I am encouraged Father God by Your laws, Your people, and Your power to complete the works You have placed on my heart. Help me to stay present with You always. Amen.
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