Today, we’re are reading Ezra 4:7-23, then Ezra 7 and 8. All in one place today!
“He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:9-10 NIV)
What a wonderful thing – for the hand of the Lord to be on us because we are devoted! Lord, let it be so in my life! Let it be so in yours as well, my friend!
Ezra 8:10 NIV – Fasting continues to be an important discipline, and we’ll see it in the NT as well.
With as many people traveling with Ezra it reminds me of Moses and the people who he freed. In this case it was reintroducing the people to their rightful home. Now I would have asked for help from the king to provide protection but Ezra was dedicated to what he was about to do and prepared mentally and with his heart with prayer and fasting. Today’s take-a-way, Prepare yourself upon the Lords protection, his hand is more powerful than any other. Today is a good day as any to start trusting the Lord.
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