Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
Ezra 7-8
Ezra 7:6-10
6 This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.
7 And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
8 And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.
9 For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.
10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
You will remember that Artaxerxes was the king during the reign of Esther. He gives a letter to Ezra outlining his support of Ezra’s ministry. I think Governor Gavin Newsome should take a lesson from Artaxerxes. “Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.” (vs. 24) It is interesting that there is much said about King Darius and Artaxerxes; however, there is not much said about the 60 year reign of Xerxes. God blesses those who bless His people and promote His house.
It is interesting that it was Ezra’s heart to seek the Lord and promote his word that got the attention of Artaxerxes. The king saw that God’s hand was upon Ezra. It is important for us to remember that our testimony is important. People of the world notice when God’s hand is upon us and His name is being properly manifested and promoted. May we learn from the example of Ezra!
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to be an example of love for your word.
- Lord, please help me to be an example of obedience to your word.
- Lord, please help me to have your good hand of blessing upon me.
Political
- Representative Jim Ellison
- Representative Diana Farrington
- Representative Graham Filler