Today, we are back in the Book of Ezra—finishing up with the life of this prophet. What is interesting about this book is that we aren’t formally introduced to Ezra until chapter 7. In the first ten verses, we see his lineage and heart. Notice what the Bible says about Ezra. For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. (Ezra 7:10, ESV)
Ezra had a heart for God. He didn’t just study the law of God; he wanted to obey it. He didn’t just want to know what the Bible said; he wanted to do what the Bible said and encourage others to do likewise. Living exiled in Babylon would be a challenge to this. It wouldn’t be easy, and it wasn’t. In fact, he was getting discouraged. Yes, discouragement comes even to those who set their hearts on God.
How did Ezra overcome this discouragement? Praise the Lord … And praise him for demonstrating such unfailing love to me … I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me. And I gathered some of the leaders of Israel to return with me to Jerusalem. (Ezra 7:27–28, NLT) The graciousness of God encouraged Ezra!
Even with hearts set on loving and obeying God, it is easy to become discouraged over time. But an attitude of gratitude changes everything! Gratitude brings God’s goodness into view, and it refreshes us. It encourages us! What has the gracious hand of God brought about in our lives? What can we be thankful for today?
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Ezra 7-10.