Tues.’s Devo - The Favor of God

Read: Ezra 7:1-8:20’ 1 Corinthians 4:1-21; Psalm 30:1-12; Proverbs 20:28-30 Ezra was a scribe who wrote the book of Ezra although he did not go to Jerusalem until the second migration of exiles returned to Jerusalem. He gave his whole lineage dating back to Aaron. He was well versed in the law of Moses. *** He left Babylon with much favor from King Artaxerxes. He was given anything he asked for and encouraged other Jews to go with him. The king sent a letter with Ezra giving him permission to collect and take any donations of silver and gold and animals the people wanted to send with him as well as people. He gave them cups from his own treasury and anything else he might want. The letter also told the provinces west of the Euphrates River to give Ezra anything he wanted or needed up to 7,500 pounds of silver, 500 bushels of wheat, 550 gallons of wine and 550 gallons of olive oil and an unlimited supply of salt. He also gave all people connected to the service of the Temple, tax exemption. He gave Era the power to appoint magistrates and judges who knew God’s laws to govern all the people in the province west of the Euphrates. He was to teach everyone the law of Moses and if they disobeyed they would be punishable by death, banishment, confiscation of goods, or imprisonment. *** Ezra praised God for the favor he was given. He listed the families that agreed to leave Babylon and go with him. As he read the list he realized that not one Levite had volunteered to come. He sent for leaders of the people and leaders of the Levites to meet with him. They agreed to send some of their Levites and temple servants. Their names were added to the list. *** It is amazing to see what God can do in the hearts of kings when they fear him. Artexerxes gave over total power to Ezra to rule God’s people and judge them. This is a foretaste of what is coming for America. Hold on and endure a little longer because we are headed for great days ahead! *** Paul continues explaining that they and other ministers are mere men that will be judged one day by God. He is the standard though Paul reminds them that as their spiritual father in the faith, he has lived his life as an offering of suffering for them. His life has also been an example that they can trust to emulate. Jesus was the only one that was spotless and sinless. *** Lord, it is so exciting to read about Ezra and the turn around you did for Israel. It strengthens our faith for our nation and our time. We praise your like the Psalm says, “I will exalt you, Lord, for your rescued us. You refused to let our enemies triumph over us!”