Ezra 7:27,28
“Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to glorify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem, and has extended favor to me before the king and his counselors and before all the kings mighty officials. So I was strengthened according to the hand of the LORD my God that was upon me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.”
This is a great acknowledgement. He’s pointing out what God has done in working this miracle. Israel sinned and wouldn’t repent, even after many warnings. So, God had Nebuchadnezzar take them captive to Babylon, destroying their temple. After 70 years, He sends them back and put’s it on the kings heart to rebuild the temple. So cool. In one sense He is the puppet master. Having the powerful of the day do His bidding.
God used Ezra and He strengthened Him to do the work. How exciting. God uses us as well. I’m referring to His children. We walk in obedience to Him. However, He also uses unbelievers, often without their knowledge.
He uses the small and the great. He empowers us and gifts us according to His will. We just do what He says and He opens and closes doors.
Thank You, Lord, for this privilege. Just like Jonathon and his armor barer defeated the enemy. ‘Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few”, (I Samuel 14:6).