Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Ezra 8 and Psalm 10

Ezra must have seemed absolutely full of faith and very confident in the power of the LORD when he told Emperor Artaxerxes: “‘The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him’” (v.22). When he and the other exiles gathered at the Ahava Canal to set out on their journey to Jerusalem, however, the reality of their position became overwhelming. They would be travelling nearly 2000km through bandit-infested territory, weighed down by 22 metric tons of silver and 3.5 metric tons of gold along with many other treasures for the Temple.

The human fears in Ezra cried out for an armed escort, but he knew that his confident words of faith in the reality of the LORD’s blessing on His people would ring very hollow to the Emperor if he went to ask him to extend his military protection. The Emperor would wonder why the “God of heaven” would need a human Emperor’s help to protect His people?

So, determined to bring glory and honour to God in the sight of the Emperor, Ezra chose to employ spiritual weapons instead of military weapons. He and all those travelling with him fasted and prayed for three solid days. Then, with their faith strengthened, and their awareness of the powerful presence of God firmly established, they set out on the dangerous journey. And, as Ezra reported it, “The hand of our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies and bandits along the way (v.31).” Because of that protection, they arrived safely in Jerusalem.

Not every situation demands that we choose only to trust God’s supernatural protection. It was important in Ezra’s circumstances for a very particular reason. Yet, in similar circumstances, Nehemiah gladly accepted military protection from the Emperor, and saw it as part of God’s favour. So let us lock our doors when necessary, and be grateful for police and other security services whose hard work protects us. And let us ultimately trust the hand of God to determine our safety and wellbeing – even through human means.

Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your gracious gift of protection and favour. Regardless of the challenges I face today, I believe that You are with me. Please place Your gracious hand on me to protect me from evil and to grant me favour. Let the kingdom of darkness be put to flight, and let Your Kingdom of glorious light be established in and through my life today. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.