Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Ezra 7 and Psalm 9

Until now the most significant leaders of the returned exiles were the priest named Joshua and the royal family-member, Zerubabbel. In Ezra 7, we finally meet the priest Ezra, after whom the book is named. He would become profoundly influential in Jerusalem. What made him unique was that “Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (v.10). Don’t miss that: He studied the will of God, not just to know it, but in order to observe and obey that will! Many see in the man Ezra the beginnings of Israel’s reputation as a people of the Book. He would come to represent a moment when the focus of prophetic ministry in Israel moved from receiving new revelations of truth, to receiving new revelations of understanding, applying and obeying the truth. He would be used by God to bring direction to a community of exiles who had lived their whole lives in a foreign culture, and needed a lot of guidance in the ways of God.

But what really set Ezra apart was that “the gracious hand of his God was on him” (v.9). This favour with God gave Ezra favour with the king who therefore “granted (Ezra) everything he asked” (v.9).

Given the self-sacrificial life and death of our Saviour Jesus, we cannot reasonably expect that everything will be easy and that success will fall into our laps, even when we are genuinely pursuing the will of God for our lives. But Ezra 7:9 sets before us something that will always lead us to eventual victory over every obstacle. It is not more effort on our part; as important as our efforts are. It is not manipulation or political machination. What makes all the difference is the gracious favour of our God.

As the people of God, we are invited to pursue the gracious favour of God in all its unearned, undeserved, door-opening, obstacle-removing power through the instrument of fervent prayer. In attempting impossible things for the glory of God, our part is this kind of prayer, and God’s part is to blow the realm of possibility wide open. Let us partner with God today, as Ezra did. Let us pray fervently, take courage (v.28), and pursue God’s plan!

Heavenly Father, You know Your plans and purposes for me better than I ever could. I surrender myself to be used by You for Your glory today. I yield my heart to Your love, my will to Your promptings, and my strength to accomplishing Your purposes. Lead me onwards and use me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.