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November | November 29, 2019
Friday, November 29, 2019
In our last visit we began to amplify the basic outline we developed in our biographical study of Ezra’s life. He was well prepared, anointed by God and proven reliable. We noted, he recognized God’s gracious hand was on him and knew he was anointed. So did the people of God. That’s why they trusted and followed his leadership, even when his demands were tough.
Remarkably, the pagan king noticed his gifting and anointing as well. Because of all this he was encouraged to carry out his assignment in the face of many potential pitfalls.
Ezra was a man who was proven to be reliable. The king trusted him to inquire how Judah and Jerusalem were doing with regard to the Law of their God. He also trusted him with a significant amount of treasure, saying, “You and your brother Jews may then do (that is, after you’ve done what I asked you to do), whatever seems best with the rest of the silver and gold, in accordance with the will of your God” (Ezra 7:18).
The king wanted Ezra to succeed so he offered him soldiers and horsemen to protect them from enemies on the road, but Ezra refused the offer, declaring his confidence that God’s hand on them would be all the protection they needed. Later, when facing the danger ahead of them on the journey, he called for the people to fast and pray for protection. Not surprisingly, God answered their prayers. God was faithful and Ezra was proven reliable.
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