They were plunged into a sea of joy.
If I had to choose one verse about this school year,
it would be just that.
EZRA 6:22
EZRA 6:22
Sitting by a sea this sunset,
knowing that what God did in my heart this year,
could only be God!
A little more alive than ever.
A little more free.
A little more alive than ever.
A little more free.
The temple work was INTERRUPTED.
RESUMED.
The temple was COMPLETED.
DEDICATED.
EZRA 6:22 And they observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had caused them to rejoice, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to encourage them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.
Because of Ezra, there was favor shown to Israel. Because Ezra knew the law of the Lord, he was given the wisdom, the authority and the mission to seek peace and even favor for the House of God.
ReplyDeleteEzra 7:10 "For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel."
Ezra knew God had given him favor with King Darius and he gave God the credit.
Ezra7:27-28 "Blessed be the Lord, the God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to adorn the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem, and has extended lovingkindness to me before the king and his counselors and before all the king’s mighty princes."
Ezra wasn't seeking alliances with men but allegiance to God.
I love your word of JOY this day, Bev. So thankful that God has given your heart a season to bask in His unparalleled JOY!
DeleteWhoopee!! Love to hear your joy. God is at work, and the long winter is past.
ReplyDeleteI just realized I never posted anything this morning. The Lord can and does use anyone to further His plan. In today's readings we see Him using heathen kings as well as His own faithful servant Ezra:
ReplyDeleteFor Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel...
Again I declare, I want my heart set daily on the Lord, to know Him intentionally, follow Him and serve Him with all my heart. I don't want to be on autopilot.
autopilot ...
ReplyDeletethis English teacher loves the metaphor and will long remember it!