Subscription Lists
Thoughts of a saint and slave
by Sam Isaacson
I've been looking forward to studying this passage for a while, and here's why: we've been reading through Ezra, he's finally appeared, and now we get a unique, privileged insight into his thoughts - part of his diary has been put into the book! Let's not dwell too much on the introduction - instead we'll plough right into God's word.
The letter (Ezra 7:11-26)
Verses 11-26 contain a letter written by king Artaxerxes to Ezra, detailing what he has the king's blessing in - here's the surprise: the king has sent Ezra to build the temple, has given him his own resources and has said that anyone who wants to go with him can...but he is not a believer! It is so important to see how shocking this actually is - imagine this situation:
A Christian has seen that a church needs planting in an area but does not have the resources to do so. He approaches the non-Christian national leader and asks for some help, who promises his own wealth, protection and wages for as many people as he wants to use!
From this we must take a challenge, and some encouragement. Firstly, here's the encouragement: God is in control! He has the power to work miracles, and will always provide for His church! The challenge is this: how are we working to improve relationships with unbelievers in order that His kingdom can be built? Ezra was bold and unashamed - he knew what needed to be done and, with his eyes on God, simply asked for help. We should, like Ezra, be those who are so well honoured and respected by our unbelieving friends and colleagues that we can be bold in asking for help when it is needed, and expect God to act!
Ezra's diary (Ezra 7:27-28)
There are two things I'd like to pick out from Ezra's personal notes here - he writes, 'Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the LORD that is in Jerusalem, and who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty officers. I took courage, for the hand of the LORD my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.'
Firstly, we must recognise that something good has happened to him, and that his response is to instantly give worship to God! This foreign king has done something, and Ezra's reaction was to say, 'thank You God for putting that in his heart!' Ezra had a genuine understanding of God's sovereignty - and by worshipping God at all opportunities I believe that we will get that same understanding.
Secondly, I'd really like to encourage us all to follow Ezra's example in writing a journal. Whether this is in the form of a blog, or something more private (I'd recommend the latter!) it is a biblical principal to journal our thoughts, our prayers, and how God is speaking to us - if nothing else it means that we can look back at what God has done in our lives and be moved to worship!
Allow me to summarise. God is in control of everything, and He is worthy of all our praise. Let's recognise those things, both when we are in the good times (as Ezra is here), and when we are in the hard times. Glory to God!
Rate it:
"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from
Choking can be Hazardous to Your Eternal Health
Read Article »Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Thoughts of a saint and slave" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.