Read Ezra 7 10 The Return Led by Ezra

"Praise be to the LORD, the God of our ancestors, who has put it into the king's heart to bring honour to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way and who has extended His good favour to me before the king and his advisers and all the king's powerful officials. Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leaders from Israel to go up with me." (Ezra 7:27-28)

The foundation of the temple had been built. There was a disruption for the completion of building the temple. However, after the search was done its work resumed and now the temple completed.

Gods concern was the relationship with His people and now He sends forth Ezra to lead the second exile. Ezra was to administrate and teach the people (Ezra 7:10; 8:8) appoint judges (7:25-26). Pro22:29 he was skilful. It was an overwhelming task but Ezra saw the hand of the Lord.

Four times were mentioned that "the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me" (Ezra 7:6, 9, 25, 28) Ezra found favour of the king Artaxerxes, his advisers, and powerful officials all because of the Lord's hand upon him and the king gave him everything like manpower, finance, exemption of taxes as he asked for to advance Gods purposes. Ezra was deeply encouraged for the Lord in Jerusalem because the gracious hand of the Lord was on him. God seats in the heart of kings to move them for His decrees. The kings heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. (Proverbs 21:1)

As Jesus send out the disciples giving them authority; so are we given the authority when He sends us out. We find favour with those in authority because of the Lords hand is upon us.

Ezra responded in praise to God and took courage. He was overwhelmed with joy (Ezra 6:22). God is fulfilling His prophecy. It is His steadfast love toward His project. For we were slaves. Yet our God did not forsake us in our bondage; but He extended mercy to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to revive us, to repair the house of our God, to rebuild its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem. (Ezra

Prayer: Father God, Your gracious hand is upon me that I may have the courage to study and obey Your word and to teach those decrees and find favour of those in authority. Grant each day that I can see Your good hand at work.

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