Bible Chapter: Ezra 7 & 8

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    After a gap of sixty years from the events of chapter six, Ezra brought a group of exiles back to their homeland.  We see Ezra’s goal in 7:10.  “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.”  He desired to make a spiritual impact on the nation and draw them to follow the Lord.  They needed to learn the laws of God so they could apply them to daily life.  This group of exiles returned with the blessing and support of King Artaxerxes.
    When they completed their journey to Jerusalem, the children of the people taken captive offered burnt offerings to God as they celebrated the return to their ancestral homeland.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    As the group was traveling to Jerusalem, they stopped at the river Ahava to fast and pray.  They knew it was a dangerous journey.  Ezra had not requested security support from the king because he had told him that God would protect them.  They fasted and prayed for God to protect them on their journey.  God did this for them.
    The thought of fasting and praying is something that is not very common any more.  I read many articles of the current trends and issues in the church world. I’m not sure when the last time is that I found an article on fasting.  Yet, the Bible is clear that it is an expected discipline of believers.  We see here that God answered the prayer of His people and protected them on their journey.  Fasting and prayer are still important to practice today.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Don’t give up.  After the first group returned to Jerusalem it took another sixty years for the second group to head out.  Keep going in the direction in life that is God’s plan.  So often things take much longer than expected.  Keep pursuing and focusing on what God directs and let Him deal with the timing.  This is not an easy lesson, nor is it fun.  But it is important.  As you stick with being faithful, just like the returning exiles, you will rejoice as you worship the Lord.