Ezra 7 & 8 -- The Task Before Us

Ezra now had a clearly-defined task – some 60 years after the events of chapter 6, the pagan king in power recognized Ezra as a man who knew and practiced the rules God had given Moses.  He sent Ezra to Jerusalem to insure that these rules were being followed.  (Even a pagan king was able to understand that following God’s law brought blessings that might otherwise be missed.)  The king was willing to put his money where his mouth was, and his respect for Ezra’s God shows up in several passages:  “… as God wishes … use the royal treasury to pay for anything … Give him whatever he wishes … carefully give him whatever the God of heaven wants … use the wisdom you have from your God …”

Following the recitation of the king’s letter, Ezra praised God “for directing the king’s heart and humbly thanked Him for the enabling strength He gave to undertake such an import work,” my commentary said.

As I read this, I began to think about the important task our youth minister search committee has before us.  Like Ezra, we can already thank God for moving the hearts of those willing to serve and the hearts of the people of our church to approve those selected for the task.  We can also humbly thank Him for His enabling strength being given to the committee members as we both come to terms with the hole left by the departure of the Ponders and the enormity of the task of finding the man God has already been preparing for this position even though both he and the committee are currently unaware of God’s selection having already been made!

Ezra directed a time of inspection and introspection when he discovered that no Levites had signed up for the task before them.  Likewise, Ezra felt that requesting a military escort would show lack of faith in God to provide, so a time of prayer and fasting was called to ask God for this important mercy.

The 3.5 month trip was seen as evidence that God had heard and answered their requests.  Otherwise, it might have taken much longer to travel.

I feel God speaking through these verses to us about the important task before us as well.  He has provided, is providing, and will provide.  We need to acknowledge this help and accept it.  Whatever the time frame facing us, it will be immensely shortened by our faithful prayer and preparation time, and someday we, like Ezra, will be able to look back and see God’s hand having guided us to exactly the man He has prepared for us.  We must simply be faithful and humble as we set out on this task.

Father, I look back at what You’ve already done through the last three youth ministers I’ve had the privilege of working with.  I anxiously await the time when You will reveal the next one.  Let the time pass quickly, and lead us to the man You’ve already prepared for us.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford