Ezra 8:31
“Then we journeyed from the river Ahava on the twelfth of the first month to go to Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was upon us, and He rescued us from the hand of the enemy and the ambushes by the road.”
Our last time in Ezra we focused on Ezra’s prayer for protection. He knew the need was there, but didn’t ask the king for security forces as he had boasted about God to him. Ezra didn’t feel like he trusted God if he were to ask the king for help. Today’s passage is his answer to prayer. God came through and rescued them from danger. It sounds like they may have encountered enemies. But they are here to praise God for His deliverance.
God will deliver us from evil. All His children have that testimony. It can be told in many tales, but the same Deliverer. We encounter the same fears and desperation. Yet, we are here to tell the story of deliverance.
God has many names in the Old Testament. One is Jehovah Raah, the Lord is my Shepherd. He leads, guides and protects. He had become that when I had no clue. He did all that. He still does that. I know that now. When I encounter fears I ask Him for help and He gives it.
I John 2:13 says, “I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.” I am a father in the faith. I know God. Unbelievers don’t see that. I am nothing by the worlds standards. But I am a child of the King. I walk with Him. He brings me to those whom He wants to bless. There are millions like me.
Matthew 7:13,14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” We hear the song of the Shepherd and follow it. He leads us to that narrow path. The world and the worldly miss it. God’s highway. The path of blessing and fulness.
Ezra and the Jews were led by God back to Jerusalem. Part of His plan. Wonderful. Isaiah 40:11 says, “He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.” Thank You, Lord.