Ezra 8:21-30
Ezra had secured spiritual leadership for the journey to Jerusalem, but now he prepares to insure safety and success. “Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, to humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him a safe journey for us…” (21a-c) Because Ezra had told the king God’s hand of favor was on them, he was embarrassed to ask for protection: “…’The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who abandon Him.’” (22b) As a result of this humility in fasting and seeking God, He heeded their cry. Secondly, Ezra sought out twelve responsible priests to oversee the transportation of the valuable items of silver an gold for the house of God. While he humbly sought God for protection, he also was careful to provide accountability for the voluntary offerings and items for God’s house. In our journey in God’s kingdom we need both humble dependence on God and careful administration of what God entrusts to us. In this way we obtain both safety and success!