Sent
Read Ezra 7.1-10
“.. this 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)
Rebuilding the temple was only a first step. When Ezra arrived in Jerusalem from Babylon some 60 years later there was still much to be done: the restoring of the worship of God required to be matched by a recovery of the Word of God.
This fresh ‘wave’ of returning exiles originated again in the decree of a Persian king (see Ezra 7.11-26): what prompted the king to make this decree?
In what ways have you been aware of ‘the hand of the LORD your God’ being manifestly upon you (see vv.6, 9 & 28)?
Prayer: Pray “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Tim.2.2)