Today I read Ezra 7 & 8, where God touches the king’s heart allowing Ezra and others to return to Jerusalem with treasures for God and serve the Lord. God will have others give you what you need to serve his kingdom, but you may have to pray, ask, and/or fast.
Ezra and Others Return to Jerusalem
Chief priest Aaron’s descendant Ezra and Jews, and others went from Babylon to Jerusalem with treasures for God (Ezra 7:1-8:36). Ezra was already familiar with the law of Moses and his heart was ready to seek the law of God, perform it and teach it. God had the king grant Ezra all that he requested. Persian king Artaxerxes wrote Ezra a letter giving him the right to use the king’s treasury, treasury beyond the river, and other resources to restore God’s temple and take willing children of Israel with him. Artaxerxes did not want to face the wrath of God. Artaxerxes made it illegal to tax and do certain things those ministering to the God including priests, singers, porters, Nethinims, etc. Ezra gathered those willing to go to camp by the river in Ahava and realized they were missing Levites, Nethinims, etc. Ezra sent people with what to say to get the missing groups to join them. Ezra had them fast, separated certain people to carry the treasurers for the Lord, and believed God would protect them while traveling. God protected them and they made it to Jerusalem. They were in Jerusalem three days then weighed the treasures, offered burnt offerings to God, and sent the king’s commissions to people like the governor.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
God does not call people to serve Him without providing for them. Ezra was already focused on God’s law when Artaxerxes granted him the supplies and treasures to serve God. Ezra and the people fasted before they set out to safely make it to Jerusalem. Sometimes people do have to ask the right individuals, apply for the right grants, etc. Knowing where to go and what to do requires listening to God, prayer, and sometimes fasting.
Have you prayed, listened to God, and did what God would have you do so you can fulfill God’s mission?