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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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Ezra 7:6
This Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him.
Are you ready for another golden ‘Ring of Truth’?
It would appear from history that some 60 years had elapsed between Chapter 6:22 and Chapter 7:1.
During that time, the events of the Book of Esther would have taken place. Which means, in effect, that not only did she save the lives of the Jews in general, but of both Ezra and Nehemiah in particular.
Artaxerxes had become king of Persia and he was kindly disposed towards the Jews and, in particular, to their plight in Jerusalem. God, and the king, sent Ezra off to Jerusalem. Verse 9 tells us it took 4 months for him to travel with all the people - over 1,700 of them - and all the supplies were worth about US $2 million.
When you think of it, travelling through bandit country for 4 months was no easy task, let alone being on the road during a period of unrest. It is also interesting to read within the king’s decree these words, “Whatever the God of Heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the Temple of the God of Heaven. Why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? You are also to know that you have no authority to impose taxes, tribute or duty on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, or other workers at this House of God” (v 23-24).
How we would love that to be true for us today. But taxes aside - I find it very interesting that the king wanted it all done and done well so that the wrath of God would not come against him, his children and the nation; something our own politicians would do well to note and understand. If only we could grasp the truth that if we put God first, everything else would fall into place. Or, as Jesus said, “Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
Economic security and financial stability are not the most important issues. Integrity, morality and righteousness with justice are. And it is the same in our homes. When we stop trying to achieve financial gain, riches or ambition and instead seek to serve the Lord, follow Jesus, and reach out to those around, we will find that God takes care of the finances without us having to worry about them.
We all need to be like Artaxerxes - do all we can to avoid the wrath of God. (It actually works out for our benefit.)
Make a quick ‘check-up’ today. Where are you in relation to this teaching?
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