Scripture Focus

“This Ezra was a scribe who was well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given to the people of Israel. He came up to Jerusalem from Babylon, and the king gave him everything he asked for, because the gracious hand of the Lord his God was on him.”
(Ezra 7:6, NLT)

“…for the gracious hand of his God was on him.”
(Ezra 7:9, NLT)

“King Artaxerxes had given a copy of the following letter to Ezra, the priest and scribe who studied and taught the commands and decrees of the Lord to Israel…
Praise the Lord, the God of our ancestors, who made the king want to beautify the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem!
And praise Him for demonstrating such unfailing love to me by honoring me before the king, his council, and all his mighty nobles!
I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me, and I gathered some of the leaders of Israel to return with me to Jerusalem.”
(Ezra 7:11, 27–28, NLT)

Reflection
Ezra was a man who had set his heart to seek the Lord.
He didn’t return to Jerusalem with his own ideas or clever plans; he came as a servant of the Word of God.
His mission was not to offer human solutions or worldly advice but to teach the goodness of God’s Word so that the hearts of His people would be drawn back to the love of the Lord.

“Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.”
(Ezra 7:10, NLT)

This devotion was not a performance.
He truly loved God’s Word himself and allowed it to shape his life.
Because he first submitted his own heart to the Lord, he could call others to do the same.
His sincerity and integrity were so evident that even King Artaxerxes trusted him with authority and resources to lead the journey back to Jerusalem.
Ezra’s life testified that the God of Israel is real, true, alive, and working on behalf of His people.
When God’s Word truly shapes us — not just filling our minds but forming our hearts — others can see the reality of God in us.
And for us, this same favor rests upon us forever through Jesus Christ:

“Through Him we have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand.”
(Romans 5:2)

Because of Jesus’ finished work, God’s gracious hand is not on us for a season only — it is our permanent standing in His love.
Therefore we too can live as Ezra did: trusting Him fully and living for Him daily, letting His Word guide our steps so that the reality of Christ is seen in us.

Lesson for Me
God’s favor isn’t earned by status or talent — it flows from a surrendered heart.
When we love His Word and live it out, we become living witnesses that God is real and at work in the world.


Application Questions
1. In what areas of my life do I need to set my heart more firmly on seeking the Lord as Ezra did?

2. Am I content to know about God’s Word, or do I truly love and obey it?

3. Does my lifestyle show others that God is real, alive, and at work on behalf of His people?

4. How can I trust Him more deeply and live more openly for Him today?

Prayer
Father, thank You that in Christ Your gracious hand rests on me forever.
Help me to love Your Word as Ezra did, to study it, obey it, and share it so that others may see You as real and living.
Teach me to trust You fully and to live for You daily, that my life may reflect Your truth and draw others back to Your love.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Journaling Prompt
Sit quietly before the Lord.
Ask Him:

“Lord, where do You want to shape my heart so that I not only know Your Word but live it?”

Take a moment to listen to the voice of the Lord and journal all he speaks to your heart.