With every detail in every story of Scripture we are introduced to miracle upon miracle, as God is put on glorious display. Each story weaves into the next revealing more about God and the world in which we live. Because we all have gone astray, buying into false realities about this world (whether viewing it from political, historical, social, even me-centered eyes…the list goes on), Scripture takes us on a journey, reorienting us to the truth that this place in which we live is indeed God-centered, it is God’s world! He’s creator, sustainer and blesser in all things. In Ezra (and all throughout Scripture) we read of the God who holds all things together. He’s the Great Shepherd (able to provide, protect & sustain). He’s revealed as author, initiator, director and main character.
At the outset of Ezra's return to Jerusalem, he proclaimed his belief to the king that "the hand of our God is for good on all who seek Him” (Ezra 8:22). Ezra & the rest of God's people, journeying alongside him, had a correct view of God in relation to Himself and the world around Him, and lived out their belief before a watching world (or at least a watching king). Reminds me of Jesus' words in Matthew 7:24-27: "These words I speak to you...are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit - but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life...when a storm rolls in, your house will collapse like a house of cards." They needed to believe not just verbally but w/their actions, living out their belief. Ezra declares a time of fasting and prayer "to seek God's good hand" together in their journey. In doing so they experienced what their mouths proclaimed, "God's good hand" in their life as He kept them (as well as all the great God-given treasures in their possession) safe on their journey to Jerusalem.
Praying our view of God and this world is rightly oriented around Him, producing lives that lift high the name of God, putting His glory and greatness on display everywhere we go.
At the outset of Ezra's return to Jerusalem, he proclaimed his belief to the king that "the hand of our God is for good on all who seek Him” (Ezra 8:22). Ezra & the rest of God's people, journeying alongside him, had a correct view of God in relation to Himself and the world around Him, and lived out their belief before a watching world (or at least a watching king). Reminds me of Jesus' words in Matthew 7:24-27: "These words I speak to you...are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit - but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life...when a storm rolls in, your house will collapse like a house of cards." They needed to believe not just verbally but w/their actions, living out their belief. Ezra declares a time of fasting and prayer "to seek God's good hand" together in their journey. In doing so they experienced what their mouths proclaimed, "God's good hand" in their life as He kept them (as well as all the great God-given treasures in their possession) safe on their journey to Jerusalem.
Praying our view of God and this world is rightly oriented around Him, producing lives that lift high the name of God, putting His glory and greatness on display everywhere we go.
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