Daily Reflections on Ezra 7:1-10, 27-28 (How About a Hand, God?)

I had shared a message one Sunday about the direction of our church. At the close of the message I asked the congregation to pray for God's hand to be on us. I received an extended note by one of our young ladies chastising me for not asking us to seek God's face instead. She was insistent that asking for the hand of God was "unspiritual." I wrote her back and agreed that we should seek the face of God. But I also noted that as we read through the Old Testament that it was the hand of God that caused things to happen.

Several times in today's passage, Ezra notes that he was able to secure what was needed to rebuild the temple of Jerusalem because the hand of God was on him. Verse 6 says that the king granted Ezra everything he asked for because "the hand of the Lord his God was on him." Verse 9 says that Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in a timely fashion because "the good hand of his God was on him." Verse 28 says that Ezra received favor from the king and the king's advisers and all the king's powerful officials because, in Ezra's own words, "the hand of the Lord my God was on me."

I need the hand of the Lord on me. I need to have the same attitude as the Apostle Paul who said, "When I am weak, then I am strong." The problem is that too many times I put my own hand on me or rather try to accomplish something by my own power, resources, smarts, energy, insights, ideas, or abilities. Sometimes things work out all right and sometimes they end in major disaster. When it comes to doing life and relationships and pursuing the things of the kingdom of God, I'd much rather do things with the hand of God on me.

Deferring to the hand of God isn't a weakness, it's actually wise. In Ezra's case, he was blessed beyond imagination. Everything he could have hoped for and more happened. Ezra could have tried to do some political maneuvering to get what he wanted, but no doubt he would have had to comprise something to get what he wanted. By trusting in God and allowing Him (His Hand) to go to work for him, Ezra saw not only a victory, but overwhelming favor in everyone's eyes.

God, help me keep my hands out of your business. I want your hand at work in my life, in the life the church you allow me to pastor. Forgive me when I get in your way. I want people to see you hand working in my behalf so that they can glorify you and come to know you. I just want to be your vessel, your humble servant. Place your hand upon me.