JOINING GOD AT WORK - God’s Hand is on Us

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king. He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and law as in Israel.” (Ezra 7:8-10)
      Passage: Psalm 24:1-6

Ezra was born and raised in Babylon, under Persian rule. He was a directed descendant of Aaron, Moses’ brother, which meant that he was qualified by lineage to serve as a priest in the Temple and to be the High Priest if chosen for that position. He had never been to Jerusalem, but he heard God call him to leave his home in Babylon and move to Jerusalem to help bring a revival to God’s people who had grown complacent and compromising in the faith. Everything about the call was daunting, from having to gain the king’s permission, since Ezra was an advisor to him, to getting through a dangerous journey alive with whoever would join him. As Ezra described the success later in the book he wrote, he attributed it all to one thing - God’s hand was on him.

God has plans and purposes to use you to glorify Him and work with Him to build His kingdom. He will put His hand on you to give you success in fulfilling His call to you and to bless your life. His blessing doesn’t come from your merit or your own goodness, but from His mercy and grace. However, like Ezra, your commitment to God’s purposes and to God’s Word are a key to having His hand upon your life and your church family. God loves you and His hand is always ready to guard and guide you as you serve and live for Him each day.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)