Passage
Ezra 8:1-36 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
Humble Ourselves Before Our God
Date: Sep. 28, 2014
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 8:23
First, those who went with Ezra (1-20). Verses 2-14 record the families that accompanied Ezra. Many appear to be descended from those who went in the first group under Zerubbabel (2:4-25), a testament to the influence of the first generation. However, while camping, Ezra discovered that no Levites were among them. He sent some leaders to ask for Levite volunteers. God’s gracious hand moved the hearts of some Levites to also return. They renounced settled lives and opportunity to become temple servants who could not own land (Num. 18:20). But these Levites valued the opportunity to serve God ahead of any worldly gain.
Second, God answers prayer (21-36). Ezra’s party carried many valuables and offerings for temple worship. The journey was long and dangerous. But Ezra did not want to ask the king for protection. He wanted to demonstrate that God cares for his servants but is against those who forsake him. Ezra proclaimed a fast. The people humbled themselves in prayer. God protected them throughout the journey and they arrived safely in Jerusalem.
Prayer: Lord, you alone are worthy of our full devotion. Thank you for being gracious to those who humble themselves before you.
One Word: God answers our humble prayer
