 | | Ezra 8:21 "Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance." Prayer Changes Things Each time my family and I leave the Ranch to travel, you will see our brake lights at the end of the driveway. Just like my dad did while I was growing up, we stop to pray for safety and wisdom in travel. This is not just a meaningless habit my family has formed; this prayer does make a difference. Here in this passage, Ezra and God's people were setting out on a risky journey through unknown territory. They were stopped at the river, leaving the known and familiar behind and crossing over into a land with many dangers.
We can see in verse 21 that Ezra took this time of prayer very seriously. They fasted and deprived themselves so that they could seek of the Lord a "right way." Amazingly, they had been offered an escort of soldiers by Artaxerxes the king, but Ezra refused this escort. Why would he do this? Verse 22 explains, "For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, 'The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him'." First of all, Ezra was more concerned with God's glory than with his own safety. It would not have been sinful to accept this escort. We know that because many times the Lord uses other humans to provide for the needs of His people. In addition, we see Ezra's contemporary, Nehemiah, using an escort. But Ezra did not want to be misunderstood by this pagan king and seem dependent upon the help of man rather than the help of God. He wanted him to see that God did not need any "help" in protecting His people. Secondly, by refusing this escort, Ezra was taking his hands off and letting God choose the means by which He would protect and provide for His people. If God could use pagan kings to accomplish His will, certainly He could accomplish His will in His own way. So here they were, entreating God for help before setting out "on their own." And we find a wonderful thing in verse 23: "So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us." They prayed and God responded! The pious statement that "the only thing that prayer changes is you" is absolutely wrong and unbiblical. Prayer does change things! At a prayer station in Manhattan, a man came up to me, looked at what I was wearing (which said "Prayer changes things") and quickly retorted, "Sure it changes things-it changes you!" Although that sounds nice, it denies the power of prayer. Come to find out, this man didn't even believe in the God of heaven.
God is the One who designed prayer to be the catalyst for His response. Things are different because we pray! If Ezra believed that prayer only changed the person praying, it was pure foolishness to set out across that river. Don't be afraid to lean wholly on your God for provision and protection. You will see the God of heaven answer in a way that brings all the glory to Him.
| 1. Revival services tonight in Martinsville, IN 2. BRR Sign Language School in Salem, VA continuing through Sunday (9/20) 3. BRR Youth Conference today and tomorrow 4. Ranch evangelists traveling to services this weekend in Plainfield, IN; Sarasota, FL; and Marana, AZ | | | |
1 comment:
I was glad to see that you posted this particular devotion. I enjoyed it a lot!
Again, Thank you for pointing this devotional tool out to me. I have grown and been encouraged by them, and I have you to thank for it... See there... I knew one day I could say something other than "Thank's for Detention!!!"
David
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