Ezra: The Lord Helpsናሙና

It seems to me that we Western Christians rarely find ourselves in situations where we have to rely entirely upon the Lord. Most of us have everything we need. If ever we do find ourselves in a tricky situation, we turn to all manner of solutions rather than rely upon the Lord. 

Ezra, on the other hand, is a great example of total reliance on the Lord. Now 1,750 men, plus women and children, are camped by the Ahava Canal and about to embark upon a 900- mile journey, with vast quantities of cash. Verses 25–27 list the gold, silver, and other articles they’ve been given by the king of Persia. In today’s money, they have 25 tons of silver and three tons of gold – eye-watering quantities of precious metals. 

As Ezra heads off on the epic journey to Jerusalem, we might expect him to hire the equivalent of an armored vehicle and the services of G4S. He has access to the king’s army for protection. But Ezra writes, ‘I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him”’ (v. 22). Ezra puts his trust in the Lord, demonstrating that in prayer and fasting (vv. 21, 23). That prayer is answered in verses 31–32. 

7:9 tells us that it takes them four months to make that long, arduous journey. The Lord keeps them safe throughout. Nothing is lost (vv. 33–34). Is it any wonder they are thankful (v. 35)? 

Too often we look to our own strength and our own strategies to keep us safe, rather than rely upon the Lord and commit ourselves to Him in prayer. But we know the Lord’s hand upon us. In Christ, we know He will never leave us or forsake us. 

That isn’t a reason to be reckless. We’re not to be naive in thinking we don’t have to protect our possessions. But I doubt that ‘recklessly trusting God’ is our biggest temptation. The challenge here is to really believe that God is powerful, to trust that His hand is upon us, and to fully and entirely rely upon Him. Perhaps the first challenge is to put ourselves in situations where we have to rely upon Him alone.

Reflection

Are you so risk-averse that you are reluctant to put yourself in situations where you must rely upon the Lord? Consider how mighty and powerful He is. Think about why you doubt His ability to bring you through tough situations. Ask Him to help you to trust Him and Him alone.