27 Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put into the heart of the king to so honor the house of the LORD in Jerusalem,

28 and who has shown me favor before the king, his counselors, and all his powerful officials. And because the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, I took courage and gathered the leaders of Israel to return with me.

— Ezra 7:27-28

23 Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men,

24 because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

— Colossians 3:23-24

For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk.

— 3 John 1:3

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

— 2 Corinthians 4:18

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

— Hebrews 12:2

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

Believers’ physical tasks and daily responsibilities need not be separated from spiritual priorities. Ezra certainly attended to practical matters such as planning, packing, and preparing for the 900-mile journey with a band of pioneers. However, Ezra’s commitment to God and His Word undergirded his decisions and duties. Ezra’s story details his passion to lead people to honor and worship God. And Ezra did not point to cunning strategy or careful planning to explain what had happened. With a humble and grateful posture, Ezra praised God for every blessing he now recalled.

Despite an undoubtedly long work list, Ezra stopped to speak grateful words to the praiseworthy God of his ancestors. First, he exalted God for moving the king’s heart to honor the Jerusalem temple. Ezra understood the temple’s pivotal role at the heart of Israel’s worship. Second, he recognized that God had granted the favor of the king and his advisors. Third, he acknowledged his own inner fortitude and courage as the work of God, not human boldness. God’s hand truly rested on Ezra.