Gospel Reading Plan: Luke 1-2
Protection
Read: Ezra 7-8
After 70 years of Babylonian captivity, God raised up the Persians to
overthrow the Babylonians. They showed
favor to the Israelites and allowed them to return and rebuild the temple of
God in Jerusalem. But it wasn’t just the
physical temple that needed rebuilding, there was great spiritual rebuilding
that was also to be done. Ezra was a
teacher who had devoted himself to study and observance of the Law of the Lord
and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel (Ezra 7:10). He was given permission to return to Jerusalem
and was given needed supplies including silver and gold and anything else he
needed from the royal treasury. Before
Ezra and the people left for this four month journey, they gathered by the
Ahava Canal to fast and pray for a safe journey. Ezra was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers
and horsemen to protect them from their enemies on the road because he had told
the king that God’s hand was on them.
So, he fasted and prayed for protection, and God answered their
prayers. Have you ever testified to
others about God’s power and His loving protection? Have you ever had this testimony put to the
test? It would be unwise to go forward
with plans without praying and fasting for God’s protection. Let’s not take protection for granted, let’s
keep praying for God’s hand of protection upon us.
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
- Ask the Lord to show you time in your life when He has protected you. This may be keeping you from a bad relationship, or preventing an accident, ask Him to show you.
- Thank the Lord for His supernatural protection.
- Ask the Lord to continue to protect our church, our leaders and our nation.
