Ezra: The Lord Helpsናሙና

Years ago, our family set out on an epic journey through the night from Sheffield to the French Alps. Everything went perfectly. We made all our connections on time, with no road works or traffic jams to hold us up. 

It seems Ezra has a similar experience on his epic journey from Babylon to Jerusalem (v. 9). But his travel story is recorded to tell us why he had such a smooth journey: because ‘the gracious hand of his God was on him’ (v. 9). It’s clearly something we’re to note because it’s stated three times in this chapter (see also vv. 6 and 28). 

On each occasion, the hand of the Lord being upon Ezra results in things going well for him in the work of the Lord. In verse 6 the king grants Ezra everything he requests. In verse 9 Ezra’s travel plans work out perfectly. In verse 28, the king helps Ezra. It is wonderful to see the Lord’s hand at work as we’ve seen in previous chapters. 

What is most striking here though is why the Lord’s hand is upon Ezra. Note the crucial linking word ‘For’ at the beginning of verse 10. It seems God’s gracious hand is upon Ezra because he is devoted to the study, observance, and teaching of God’s Word. 

If you are devoted to understanding, living, and teaching God’s Word, you can be sure that God’s gracious hand will be upon you. It’s not a guarantee that everything will go well. In Ezra, both in previous chapters and in the chapters to come, we see that there is opposition to God’s building work. Enemies of God are committed to working against God. Life will not always be straightforward and uncomplicated, even when we wholeheartedly devote ourselves to His Word. But we can be sure that when we do devote ourselves to studying, observing, and teaching God’s Word, the hand of the Lord will be upon us for the building up of His church.

Reflection

When have you seen the Lord’s gracious hand at work in your life or in the life of your church family? Pray that you and your church family would be devoted to God’s Word, knowing God’s gracious hand will therefore be upon you, whatever the circumstances of life.