Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statues and ordinances in Israel.
Ezra’s heart is for God. His goal is to study God’s law, to practice it, and to teach it. Artaxerxes wants to placate any gods of foreign conquests so that he and his sons do not face the deity’s wrath. It’s a security measure, but God uses it to help Ezra with his heartfelt quest of knowledge and teaching.
Ezra 7:23a Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven….
This chapter brought Romans 8:28 to mind: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of the those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” When I think about all the mess I’ve seen, heard, and dealt with this semester, I know God can use all of it. He is using it. He is making a way where there is no way. Thanks be to God.
Ezra 7:23b …Why should His wrath fall on the realm of the king and of his sons?
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that You can use all things, even those things that seem impossible to be used for good. You can and will and do use all things for our good and Your glory. Give us hope even in the most hopeless of times, Lord, because You are making a way, even if we can’t yet perceive it (Isaiah 43:19). Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
Ezra 7:27 Praise be to the LORD, the God of our ancestors, who has put it into the king’s heart to bring honor to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way.
Have a blessed day.