Ezra 8 THE RIGHT WAY From time to time in life we are called to special service for God that is above and beyond that which have ever thought about. A journey on foot across 900 miles of desert through enemy territory even though one knows it is God's will does give pause, and cause for concern. It is important that the right people are involved in such a task even though there is true faith in God to bring the people to the desire objective. Careful consideration of the dangers, needed supplies, diligent preparation - these are all part of getting ready for a work for the Lord. We do what we can to the best of our ability and trust God without reservation.
Ezra had all the characteristics of a good leader. He assembled volunteers in a significant location. He checked to make sure he had the right people there. There were priests and leaders but no Levites to do the work of assisting priests in their priestly ministry. He knew who was needed and took steps to get them. He made sure that everyone who would participate in the journey and work ahead knew their need of God with them and the right attitude toward God. Fasting, prayer and humility set a tone to the work that was unmistakable.
A successful leader needs to know his limitations and he also needs to know those who can help him. Ezra needed trustworthy companions for the journey, and the work ahead after they arrived at their destination. He had heads of families who could guide their kin. He had priests for the spiritual work and then got some Levites who would do the service necessary for the priests. He did not take nor wish to have the military protection of the king's army because of his testimony to the pagan king that "the hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him; but His power and wrath is against all them that forsake Him." This is evidence of a leader who knows his God, his people and himself. He knew God's strength and affirmed his own weakness. He put God first in this new venture and claimed God's promises personally. What an exemplary leader when one uses what he has, uses what God gives, admits his dependence on and is grateful. Such people understand the value of sincere prayer, fasting and obedience from the heart.
The stewardship entrusted to Ezra included around twenty-five tons of precious metals and well as the welfare of likely around 7000 people. He could be trusted to do what was necessary and respond to emergency situations conscious of the presence of God with him. When we are making changes or a move, we must take the time necessary to prepare our minds with wisdom and our hearts with commitment to that which will happen - seen or unseen. Governments, assemblies and families need wise, committed leadership. Prayer and fasting indicate a serious consideration of that which is ahead. It is in this way we acknowledge our need of God's guidance, protection and strength for the work He gives us.
Prayer and fasting eliminates any preoccupation with superficial things, and focuses our understanding on what God wants and our perception of our responsibility, and the assets we have. Priests needed Levites to do their work. To lead is one thing. To have those who faithfully support leaders is another thing that does not happen too often and when it does, it is seldom recognized or applauded. Godliness and wisdom go well together. " A prudent man forseeth the evil..." When we are aware of potential danger, we can take steps to avoid those dangers.
Chief men have authority to do what is needed and to delegate to others areas of responsibility. Men of understanding can see beyond that which is obvious and/or only exterior, to that which is real. They know how to reach the heart of people so that the commands of chief men are responded to in the right way. It is one thing to know what is right and grudgingly obey, and quite another thing to be able to show people why it is in their best interest to do a work or make a change gladly. In the demographics of a work the spiritual needs are of primary importance. When we do things God's way, we can expect the "good hand of our God to be upon us."
The call to serve God today is as important now as it was in Ezra's day. God uses men sent to explain the truth and urge God's people to act on what God says quickly and with enthusiasm. Insight and discretion come from learning and practicing the word of God on our own volition or being taught it by trustworthy, caring and faithful men. Ezra had leadership qualities and he knew he was responsible to take the initiative in the work. He also knew how to delegate responsibility to others. He also knew the three days by the river and perhaps the symbolism was there that when they crossed it there would be no coming back helped them to go forward into new territory and burn their bridges behind them. He did not pretend the journey and the tasks ahead would be easy, but he did convey the fact that it was right. He was realistic in that he could look ahead to potential dangers and how to deal with them, and at the same time convey to those who followed him the confidence he had in God to take them all the way to the journey's end.
Fasting is not a public demonstration of one's piety, but rather a personal response to God as we focus our minds, hearts and lives on that which we know to be His will, or in order to have certainty regarding God's will. Fasting not to be condemned nor is it to be impressed on us by others or vice versa. It heightens the awareness of being in the presence of God for a specific purpose. It is linked with true humility, submission and obedience.
Ezra had testified to the king of his confidence in "the hand of our God" and so did not want to compromise his faith in God before the king. Trust in God is reasonable and often is a strong testimony to the power of the Gospel in the life of a Christian. It is likely for that reason Ezra did not want an armed escort to protect them from dangers on the way. He was able to testify, "The hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way." Confidence in God is real and evident when we rest in Him. After fasting and praying by the river, in faith they all went forward with confidence in God. Ezra's leadership was a testimony to his faith and it produced faith in those who followed him> God does answer prayer.
The worship and service of the priests and Levites on behalf of the people was a priority when they safely arrived at Jerusalem. The worship of God's people is our first act before service for God. It is God who works in and through us, and we must be in fellowship with Him before sanctified service. Holy people with holy things to give to our holy God, produces holy service in the holy house of God today. Carefulness in the trust of holy things is expected of those who have been entrusted with divine service.
There is not a lot of description given regarding the journey. Rather, glory is given to God for His protection and guidance during those four months. Ezra and those with him were responsible for bringing with them holy things worth million of dollars. They were careful to make sure that what arrived in Jerusalem was the same amount as was there when they started the journey. Care is always needed when dealing with the finances God allows to be used through His people. The sacrifices and offerings they made were expressions of thankfulness, gratitude and joy at being brought to the place God wanted them. Even the "powers that be," the government officials were made aware of the fact that the people of God were people under authority. They were not there to change the government noir interfere with the political system that was in place. We can learn a lot of lessons from those who have gone before us in their service for the Lord.