Ezra 7
Dear RTB’ers,
Now after this, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah … son of Aaron the chief priest—this Ezra went up from Babylonia. (vv. 1a, 5b-6a; see also vv. 8-9) We learn a couple of things in these opening verses. First, some sixty years have passed since the end of yesterday’s reading. The temple, commonly known as Zerubbabel’s temple has been rebuilt and worship services have resumed. Second, Ezra is of priestly decent and he has put his position to good use: He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses…, a man learned in matters of the commandments of the Lord and his statutes for Israel… For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. (vv. 6b, 11b, 10)
Somehow Ezra has been granted the king’s favor – the temple items (v. 19), the people (v. 13), and the silver and gold (v. 16) that he sent along; a charge to continue offerings to the “God of Jerusalem” (v. 17); a command for Israel’s neighbors not to trouble Jerusalem and Judah (vv. 21-24); and a final charge to Ezra to teach the people (v. 25). I use the word “somehow” only in the vernacular; no doubt it was the will of the Lord God of Heaven and Earth to have Ezra so commissioned.
I have no doubt but that God gave me the gifts and tools that I need(ed) to do the work that He has asked of me. I would ask each of the rest of you to consider your own lives, to see how God has provided you with whatever you have needed to do whatever work He has asked of you. Then thank Him, profusely!
Blessings.
Fred