2006-08-22 - An Example of God's Blessings

Ezra 7:11-16, 25-28

Praise be to the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put it into the king's heart to bring honor to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way, and who has extended his good favor to me before the king and his advisers and all the king's powerful officials. Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me. (Verses 27-28 NIV)

King Artaxerxes asked Ezra to go to Jerusalem, to check out the progress being made there, and Ezra would report the findings back to the king. Ezra didn't see the king's request as a tall order or challenge. Ezra was the instrument God was using in the king's life. He had tremendous favor with the king. The reason? God. He took care of all the details. Ezra didn't have to travel by himself, for an array of people went with him. People from different backgrounds, from priests to gatekeepers, joined him. Ezra didn't doubt that God would watch over and protect them.

King Artaxerxes trusted Ezra. Through God's wisdom, Ezra could pick judges and other officials, and if they didn't know the laws of God, he could teach them.

Certainly this is God's work, for Ezra's goal in life was to become a Bible teacher. He was determined to study and obey God's laws to reach his dream. Things were coming to be a reality. What a difference Ezra could make, but more importantly, what a difference God could be in the people's lives. Look what He was doing on behalf of Ezra.

Lord, Where You send me, I will have favor, and I will go because I have Your blessing. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Lisa

lisa@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org