Dec.11, 2023
Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, before I read or comment on God’s word, I pray that He prepares my heart to receive his guidance and ask that He uses me as his vessel to comment on His word. If you want to leave comments or feedback, you can email jp0870584@gmail.com. I think Ezra would be ashamed to ask the Babylon king for protection because God’s hand is on all those who seek Him, for good. God bless you.
The scripture is from Ezra 8:22: “For I was ashamed to ask of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the way, because we had spoken to the king, saying ‘The hand of our God is on all those who seek him, for good; but his power and his wrath is against all those who forsake him.’”
The devotion is titled God’s Military Escort by Heather Tietz. The author sets the background for this devotion by stating that before Jesus and Roman rule, journey by foot was dangerous, law was not enforced, and bandits were common. Referencing the above verse, Ezra was preparing for a journey from Babylon to Jerusalem with treasures for the God’s temple. With the Babylon’s king permission, 220 temple servants, about forty Levite priests, and the prayers of God’s people, Ezra sets out with no Babylonian military support, just fasting and prayers from God’s people. After several months, the temple treasure arrived safely. In conclusion, Heather reminds us that God is enough. God will protect us in His own way. Our God has all the tools of salvation at His hands, God is enough!
Reflections, Questions, and Challenges for Us: What are you most afraid of? Can you truly say, “God in your Savior and protector?” Why or Why Not?
Here is my response, yours may be different: For me, I am not afraid of anything because God is my Savior and Protector.
A Personal Prayer for us: Dear God, please protect us from the problems we will face today. Help us to remember to place all our faith and all our trust in You. You are more than enough for us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Inspirations (2023/11/12) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible, God’s Military Escort by Heather Tietz.