“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)
