Ezra 10 "We Are Behind You Ezra"

“Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous and act.” (v.4)

Chapter 10 opens with Ezra confessing, weeping and praying at the temple for the sin of intermarriage among the people with pagan women. While he was there bowing down before the house of God, a large crowd of men, women, children assembled with him and wept bitterly also (v.1).

Then Shecaniah spoke up for the people, admitting their sin of intermarriage with the pagan women. He encouraged Ezra to take the bold step of a public assembly, with confession and restitution. He also assured the priest they would support him in this most difficult and courageous act (v.4). Then Ezra responded in a way that was his custom, he fasted, and prayed, and trusted in the LORD that this most difficult message would be accepted (vv.4-6). 

Ezra’s proclamation was brief: he explained the sin of the people and what they must do to remedy their disobedience based on scripture. “The whole assembly responded with a loud voice: ‘You are right! We must do as you say’ ” (v. 12). Ezra’s godly example gave him the authority to boldly instruct the people on repentance and restitution before God. His spiritual leadership transformed others and inspired them to seek God more faithfully.

Not all of us are in a position of leadership, nor have the authority to call out such a large congregation of people as Ezra did. However, we can encourage and prayerfully support those who’s task it is to do so. Your prayerful support can become the most powerful tool of all in spiritual leadership. Therefore, remember your pastors, teachers, and mentors in prayer, for their leadership has great responsibility before God. 

The Truth

“The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (James 5:16)

Ezra 9 "Separate Yourselves"

When these things were done, the leaders came to me, saying, “The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands. For they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy race has intermingled with the peoples of the lands” (vv.1-2)

After his arrival in Jerusalem, Ezra learned that Jewish men had married women who served other gods, defying God’s express directions (Deut.7:3). Upon hearing this report, he tore his garments, pulled hair from his head and beard, fell to his knees and wept (v.3). 

This racial requirement was meant directly for the children of Israel and does not condemn interracial marriages today. While it may present some worldly issues to deal with, interracial marriages are sealed through the blood of Christ if both parties are believers. However, unequally faith based marriages are specifically warned against in scripture (2 Corinthians 6:14), as they can lead to the falling away of a believer. 

The Scripture speaks of marriage as two becoming one in Christ. This means not only are the husband and wife tied together, but Christ as well. Then through the years - together - they move in the same singular direction becoming one mind, one body, one spirit, forming a singular threefold cord not easily broken. 

Therefore, come together in Christ, incorporate your marriage in Him and it will not be easily broken.  

The Truth

"Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

  

   

Ezra 8 "God's Hand of Protection"

“We journeyed from the river Ahava on the twelfth of the first month to go to Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was over us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the ambushes by the way. Thus we came to Jerusalem and remained there three days.” (vv.31-32.)

Here in chapter 8 we see that Ezra (and all those who came with him) had to transport a large quantity of gold and silver from Babylon to Jerusalem for the beautification of the temple (vv. 25-27). This made them very vulnerable to raids by outlaw gangs along their journey.

So Ezra called the people together at the river of Ahava, where they fasted and prayed for God's hand of protection (v. 21). Then, after dividing out all the silver, the gold, and all the articles of polished brass and gold with twelve of the leaders of the priests, they set out on their way (vv. 24-31). After arriving safely in Jerusalem, they offered sacrifices of thanksgiving to the Lord (v. 32-36).

Once again we see the hand of God upon Ezra’s life as he calls faithfully upon the Lord. Not moving forward in his own strength, but in the strength and wisdom of God. Then after confirmation he takes action to complete the work, and upon safe arrival, offers sacrifices to the LORD.

Such a God honoring discipline for us to follow: prayer, action, and praise.

The Truth

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Ezra 7 "The Decree of Artaxerxes to Ezra"

“I, even I, King Artaxerxes, issue a decree to all the treasurers who are in the provinces beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it shall be done diligently.”(v.21)

Wow! Talk about a blank check. This tells me two things: 1) Artaxerxes really trusted Ezra. How many contractors (then or now) could be trusted with this kind of financial support to complete a job without lining their  pockets? - Evidently only one, Ezra, and 2) Artaxerxes understood the  financial commitment needed to properly beautify the house of the LORD and trusted in Ezra to follow the guidelines in scripture to do it.

Ezra had a big job ahead of him, not only in the beautification of the temple as prescribed by the Law, but in the instruction and spiritual leadership of the former captives, who are spiritually weak and in great need of a teacher. As we make our way through this incredible story it will become increasing obvious, that the hand of the God is upon Ezra in all that he does, giving him strength and courage to complete his calling each step of the way (v.28).

You too can have this same assurance, that God is with you always, that He will never leave you nor forsake you, that He is your strength and shield, by simply putting your trust in Him and asking Him to be the LORD of your life. Do it now and experience the hand of God in your live as well.

The Truth

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.” (Psalm 28:7)

Ezra 6 "Darius Finds Cyrus's Decree"

“Then King Darius issued a decree, and a search was made in the archives, where the treasures were stored in Babylon. And at Achmetha (house of books) in a palace, which is in the province of Media, a scroll was found and there was written in it as follows: “In the first year of King Cyrus, Cyrus the king issued a decree: ‘Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt.”

Chapter 5 ended with the people of Jerusalem and Judah appealing to king Darius to, “let a search be conducted in the king’s treasure house, which is there in Babylon, if it be that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send to us his decision concerning this matter” (v.17.)

As we see from our text here in chapter 6, no record was found in Babylon of Cyrus’ decree. But, three hundred miles away in a library in the palace of Media a scroll was found that contained it. Not only that, specific instructions were recorded in that decree as to its location, construction, financial appropriations, and the projects protection from the very accusers who stood before king Darius. Thus, because the Word was heard, the project was completed, and even financed by their accusers.

We too can defeat our accuser with God’s WORD. Satan, who would love to keep us in a state of guilt and shame because of our faults and short comings, must yield to God’s WORD. Therefore, claim the command of the King of kings, recorded in His WORD, “It is written, I am forgiven”, and move forward in the work He has for you to complete.

The Truth

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9)