and who has extended his good favor 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 leading men from Israel to go up with me.
Ezra 7:28 NIV
Ezra's book deals with the return from captivity and the temple's rebuilding. He was a priest living in exile, in Babylon. His name probably means "Helps." He was courageous in front of enemies, persistent in his study of the law, and remained humble, giving honor to the Lord. He was important in starting repentance among the Jews who returned from exile to the homeland.
In today's passage, Ezra clearly gives glory and honor to the Lord's hand being upon him thus allowing him to gather leading men to return them to the homeland. Ezra, in this passage shows his ability to avoid pride, and reliance on self to accomplish an extraordinary task. It was not Ezra's ability that allowed him to do the task, but rather that the Lord extended good favor to him.
With the triumphs Ezra accomplished, one can respect his remaining humble before the Lord and not considering himself great. It was an act of God to keep Ezra humble, just as it was an act of God to allow Ezra to gather the leaders and have safe travel to the homeland. He was truly a humble leader with God's hand upon him.
How have you seen a person's attitude change with a success? With a string of successes?
Where do you place the glory and honor when you have a success in your life?
Pray for leaders everywhere to seek and delight in doing God's will for the good of all.
In Christ,
David P
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