Saturday, June 26, 2010

God Protects His People

"I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, 'The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.'" -- Ezra 8:22

Talk about putting your money where your mouth is!!!! Ezra was headed to Jerusalem. He, a priest and teacher of God's Word, had priests, Levites and others with him. He also had a fortune in gold, silver and various items for the temple.

The king gave Ezra what he wanted so Ezra and others of God's people could return to Jerusalem. Keep in mind that back in those days most travel was by foot. So they walked about 900 miles through sometimes dangerous territory. I did mention they had a lot of gold and silver, didn't I?

How embarrassing to go back to the king and basically say he needed protection for the journey. Ezra couldn't do that. He didn't need to. He and the others fasted and prayed to God for protection during their journey. God answered their prayers. God was really all they needed. Ezra was smart enough to know that. How about you?

Do you rely on burglar alarms and big SUVs to protect yourself and your family? Do you trust that gun to be there between you and harm? Do you weigh your odds and figure that lightening bolt won't hit too close? Aren't you afraid? I would be.

I believe firmly that God is the only One who can truly protect us from the evil that surrounds us. He is the only One who can keep us from harm. He is the only One who can rescue us from bad circumstances. It's not that we should behave foolishly. It's just that we really can't control all that swirls around us or, even, within us. He can.

I also want to point out one other very important thing. Ezra didn't assume God's protection. He didn't take it for granted. Asking God for help wasn't an afterthought. He and others fasted and prayed -- before their journey ever began. In so doing, they humbled themselves before God. They understood their journey would only be a success if God blessed it with His Presence.

Don't leave your safety or well-being to chance or to things or people. Ask God for help and protection. Hold on to Him. The only true safety we will ever know is in His loving arms.