Title: Ezra’s Petition
Memorize: For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” Ezra 8:22 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Ezra 8:21-23 (Nkjv)
[21] Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.
[22] For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.”
[23] So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.
Message:
In today’s Bible reading, Ezra humbly petitioned God, trusting in His protection amidst the challenges he and his people faced.
Ezra was a devoted scribe and priest who led Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem with the aim of restoring their community by God’s laws.
On one occasion, during a dangerous journey, he chose prayer over seeking earthly protection, showing deep faith in God.
He proclaimed a fast and sought God’s guidance for a safe journey.
Many people have relocated outside their home country in a bid to improve their living conditions; however, after many years, they still find themselves struggling in whichever country they moved to.
When advised to return to their home, they become ashamed because of imminent mockery from people who thought they were faring better.
My dear child, in this age of technology and application programs like Google Maps and YouTube, do you still seek God’s face before making such decisions as choosing a career, learning a skill, making friends, et cetera?
It is important that you always ask God for direction and protection ahead of any journey because He is the only One who knows the end from the beginning.
Key Point:
Before you make any decision, please pray.
HYMN 33: GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH!
1 Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah!
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy powerful hand:
Bread of heaven! Bread of heaven!
Feed me now and evermore,
Feed me now and evermore.
2 Open Thou the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow:
Let the fiery, cloudy pillar,
Lead me all my journey through:
Strong deliverer! Strong deliverer!
Be Thou still my strength and shield,
Be Thou still my strength and shield.
3 If I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside:
Bear me through the swelling torrent,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side:
Songs of praises! Song of praises!
I will ever give to Thee,
I will ever give to Thee.
4 Saviour, come! we long to see Thee,
Long to dwell with Thee above;
And to know in full communion,
All the sweetness of Thy love,
Come, Lord Jesus! Come Lord Jesus!
Take Thy waiting people home,
Take Thy waiting people home.
Bible In One Year: 2 Kings 22:3-23:30, Acts 21:37-22:16
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye