S) "21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a safe journey for us, our little ones, and all our possessions. 22 For I was ashamed to request from the king troops and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, 'The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who forsake Him.' 23 So we fasted and sought our God concerning this matter, and He listened to our entreaty."
Ezra 8:21-23 (NASB)
O) Ezra was about to head back home to Jerusalem, to help with the rebuilding of the temple, and was bringing a few hundred people with him, priests, Levites, temple workers, etc. King Artexerxes had given him a very generous written commission, providing silver, gold, animals, as well as grain, oil, and wine; they had all they needed. Somehow, amid all that generous provision, Ezra decided to forgo any militant protection for the journey. Instead, he professed the LORD as their protection. Indeed the LORD was their protection, but it seems that Ezra might have regretted his hasty confession of faith. However, he didn't back down or retract his belief. He clung to the same truth spoke to his king, and the LORD proved him correct.
A) There is a duality at work here, of sorts. In the beginnings of God's people, Abraham refused help from a foreign king, because he didn't want any glory to be stolen from his God. However, this homecoming isn't the first time Israel was blessed by someone other than their God. It wasn't even the first time during this exile. I don't think the lesson is about whether or not I should accept help from people (every good and perfect gift is from the Father of lights, after all). The real application, is the conviction of my words. When, for whatever reason, I assert faith in God's character, then I should follow that confession of truth! Maybe the Holy Spirit will lead me to speak the truth without thinking, maybe it will be the habit of quoting a Bible verse. Whatever the cause, if I find myself in a similar circumstance, I need to hold firmly to the faith I profess, because God is faithful to answer my call.
P) Father, You are a daring God. Over and over, You dare people to believe, to speak something in faith, then to act on it. Help me be more bold with my words, professing Your good character, ad believing the words I speak. Let me walk by the convictions of my own confession of who You are. Let me be bold about what You do! I want to brag about my Father God, the LORD, the Creator of all things. Be glorified, first by my words, then by my actions, which prove my words! I sing songs about Your greatness, so let me believe those words. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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