It is clear that both kings Darius and Artaxerxes understood the Lord as “the God of heaven” (Ezra 7:12). They recognized His authority there, as well as over Israel and Jerusalem. The fear of the Lord was on these rulers as they handed permission and provision to the Israelites to return to their country and serve their God. There are a number of ways that the LORD showed Himself as sovereign and present in this chapter:
“Because the Lord had made them joyful…” Ezra 6:22a
Of course, any time we pursue an assignment from the Lord, the enemy is right there to try and keep us from fulfilling it.
The pattern of life with Yahweh is pretty consistent. He is predictable in His life with us. That may sound crazy with all of the unexpected things that happen, but let’s pause and take a step back to gain a broader perspective for a moment.
Heart attitude and the right perspective are so important
Though genealogical lists can seem boring in the Bible, there are interesting gems throughout them if you give yourself enough time to think about it.
Though this is a short chapter, it is loaded with God’s character and action. What a testimony of His grace as the first round of exiles are called home.
When there was something important the Lord wanted His followers to hear in the Bible, He would repeat the word two to three times to draw attention to it. He continues to do this in our present lives as well. This message of redeeming grace continues to come up in my daily reading, in testimonies I’m listening to, and in my own life’s circumstances.
As I resisted the Devil and drew near to God, He drew near to me. I could feel the anger give way to peace. Through asking the Lord for help and singing the songs, I held up my fists of prayer and praise. The Lord then guarded my mind and heart and the enemy had to flee.
… “Lord, I am so done with all of this. I need You! I know I need to be in Your word. I’m sorry for trying to be in control and run everything by my own wisdom… Show me the way. I’m tired of this life without You being in the center of it all. Please help me to be disciplined in time with You and in the Bible every day. I need Your sustenance. I love You. I’ll do whatever it takes. I just need more of You…”