[Ezra came up from Babylon.] “…He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, FOR THE HAND OF THE LORD HIS GOD WAS ON HIM.” (Ezra 7:6) [Ezra had great favour with King Artaxerxes and petitioned him to allow the Jews to go to Jerusalem (with funds and animals for sacrifice from the King) to dedicate the Temple to God. Then Ezra said:] “There, I PROCLAIMED A FAST, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 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, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and HE ANSWERED OUR PRAYER.” (Ezra 8:21-23) [As Ezra finished his work for the Lord he needed to make sure his people were right with God, so he “preached” to them about what they needed to do and this was the result:] “The whole assembly responded with a loud voice: “You are right! We must do as you say.” (Ezra 10:12) [Prayer along with fasting is such a powerful “weapon” against the enemy of our soul! It is also a great way to rededicate our lives to our Abba Father.] “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for HE IS GRACIOUS AND COMPASSIONATE, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” (Joel 2:12-13)
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that KNOWING THAT THE GRACIOUS HAND OF OUR GOD IS ON EVERYONE WHO LOOKS TO HIM TODAY!
-Bill Stockham
