Ezra 7 – 10

As the next wave of exile prepared to return to Jerusalem, King Artaxerxes issued a decree to Ezra detailing the conditions under which the Israelites would depart. Ezra thanked Yahweh for “placing this in the king’s heart” (7:27), and rightly so, for the king was exceedingly gracious to them. In his decree we find freedom of religion for the Jews. The king acknowledged “the Law of your God” (7:14) and sent them away with vast riches to carry out their mission. The Jews were to use these riches “according to the will of your God” (7:18) and for “whatever is commanded by the God of heaven” (7:23). On top of this, no one could tax the priests and temple servants (7:24). They would be under a foreign king, but they would be free to serve Yahweh under the Law of Moses. Freedom!

Ezra was a special man at a special time in Hebrew history. Tracing his ancestry back to Aaron through Eleazar (7:1-5), his skill as a scribe and right to serve as priest placed him as a rightful religious and spiritual leader (7:6). It was not heritage alone that made Ezra the right man for the job. He had spent his life preparing for this moment by preparing himself to serve. What a lesson for the church, as we see the progression of spiritual maturity in this man (7:10) as a pattern for us. First, Ezra prepared his heart to seek divine guidance from Scripture. Is the Bible a burden to us or the lamp of freedom? Next, Ezra did something completely radical, he actually did what the Scriptures said to do! Is the Bible something to be read and heard, or must we take the next step and become doers of the word (James 1:22)? Finally, he completed the God-ordained purpose for mankind as he then discipled others in the ways of God. A moment of introspection would be good at this point!

In all of this, however, we find a nugget of spiritual gold beyond his seeking, doing and teaching. In the life of Ezra we find evidence of the power of faith bonded together with truth. On the journey from Susa (in modern day Iran) to Jerusalem, they would travel on establish trade routes that were well known to bandits that preyed upon caravans. Look again at the vast wealth they were given by King Artaxerxes (8:24-30). Can you imagine the devastation to their cause if they were robbed along the way? Surely a benevolent king as would supply them out of his own treasury would provide an armed escort to assure their safe travel! But, Ezra chose prayer and fasting (8:21-23). In wisdom he knew that to relay upon the king for an escort would be a breach of faith with Yahweh. “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him” (8:22). What great, practical faith!

It makes me wonder … if we did not have the “armed escort” of our nation and the U. S. Constitution, would we still be Christians?

Consider His nature.  Consider His ways.  Strive to love Him more!