Wisdom, Authority and Favor of God
“Who’s gonna win the Super Bowl?” For the past couple of weeks, I have repeatedly been asked that question. I must admit that I really don't know (LOL). I do however know that there is excitement and anticipation around the Super Bowl for everything from waiting to watch the game, the halftime show, the commercials, the food and enjoyment of all the festivities. But for those who are participating in the game, there has been great devotion and preparation on their part to achieve success in this moment. All of their training, study, and sacrifice has been made to get to this moment, ready to give their best. In this week’s scripture (Ezra 7:1-10; 23-26), Ezra led a contingent of Israelites from exile in Babylon back to Jerusalem and their homeland. Their journey was no doubt filled with excitement and anticipation, recounting their history, and love for the God whose divine grace and mercy made a way for them to return to the Promised Land. And because Ezra had devoted himself to study, observe and teach God’s word, the favor of God was on him to lead His people the right way so that they could be successful in the land that God had given them. I pray that God would give you wisdom, authority, favor and success as you seek Him through the study, observance and teaching of His word.
After these things, during the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah, the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub, the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth, the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki, the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest— 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. Some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers and temple servants, also came up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes. (Ezra 7:1-6) Ezra led a wave of Israelites who came out of captivity in Babylon to return to the Promised Land. Their return to Jerusalem followed some time after an earlier contingent of Israelites had returned and rebuilt the temple. Ezra was identified here as a scribe and it is noted that he was “well versed” (skilled) in interpreting and applying the word of God (the Law of Moses). Obviously, he had spent time seeking God and as a result, the hand of God was on him. And because Ezra had favor with God, the king gave him everything he requested for what God assigned him to do. As we pursue God's calling, God’s favor provides resources and opens doors that we would never be able to open on our own.
Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king. He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. (Ezra 7:7-10). The successful journey from Babylon to Jerusalem took 4 months for Ezra and those with him to complete. Scripture points out that Ezra was successful because God’s favor was upon him because he devoted himself to studying, living and teaching the word of God. The worship of God and the study of His word opens us up to the favor of God and success in our assignment.
Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven. Why should his wrath fall on the realm of the king and of his sons? You are also to know that you have no authority to impose taxes, tribute or duty on any of the priests, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers, temple servants or other workers at this house of God. And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach any who do not know them. Whoever does not obey the law of your God and the law of the king must surely be punished by death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment. (Ezra 7:23-26). The king, Artexerxes, issued a decree and gave it to Ezra as documentation. The king allocated funds and other items for Ezra and those returning to Jerusalem to use in the further restoration of the temple. Ezra was not allowed to levy taxes or require tribute to pay for this effort, because it wasn't necessary. God had placed it upon the mind of the king to provide the needed support. However, the king gave Ezra the authority to use his Godly wisdom to teach God’s laws to the people, appoint judges to administer justice and punish any disobedience to civil or Mosaic laws throughout the land. Seeking God gives us wisdom to act justly and leads to positions of righteous authority.
The Israelites were living in exile in Babylon because of their disobedience and refusal to live according to God’s word. God wanted them to come back to Jerusalem with the right attitude and ready to do the right things in their relationship with Him. It is no accident that God chose someone to lead His people’s return to the Promised Land who was devoted to seeking Him. For that reason, God’s favor was all over Ezra, so that he would be successful in his assignment. Through God, Ezra received the authority and wisdom to lead the returnees and establish the right system of justice for His people. Whether it is in your family, your church, your community or on your job, God has an assignment for you to do also. And He will give you authority, wisdom and favor in your assignment if you seek Him and trust Him to lead you. And while I still don’t know who will be successful in winning the Super Bowl, one thing I do know…you can’t help but win when you seek the wisdom, authority and favor of God!
Happy Valentine’s Day to all. Enjoy it as you love God and love each other!
Blessings,
Rev. Glenn
