The gracious hand of God

We now return to the book of Ezra.

Xerxes is now dead (he was assassinated by the commander of his own royal bodyguard), and his son Artaxerxes is now on the throne.

At that time, Ezra, a priest of God living in Persia, made the decision to return to Jerusalem in order to teach the people there God’s word.

One phrase that we see over and over again in these two chapters is “The gracious hand of God.”

We see it as King Artaxerxes granted Ezra everything he asked as made his trip to Jerusalem.

Artaxerxes gave him an abundant amount of silver and gold to buy all the things they needed to make their sacrifices to God.  He also gave him wheat, wine, olive oil, and salt as well.

God’s gracious hand was also seen in sending a man named Sherebiah and two other men who brought in a number of people to help serve in the temple.

And God’s hand was seen as he protected Ezra and his contingent from bandits on their return back to Jerusalem.

Why was God’s hand upon them?  Ezra told Artaxerxes the reason.

The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.  (Ezra 8:22)

Ezra had set his heart on seeking God.  He had devoted himself to studying God’s word and it was his heart’s desire that all would know what God had said.

As a result, God blessed him.

How about you?  Are you seeing God’s hand on your life?

If not, can you say you are truly seeking him?

Are you making him the center of your life?  Does your day begin and end with him?  Are you devoting yourself to his word and his work as Ezra did?

It is as you do these things that you will see God work both in you and through you to touch the people around you.