“I assembled them at the canal that flows toward Ahava, and we camped there three days. When I checked among the people and the priests, I found no Levites there. 16 So I summoned Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah and Meshullam, who were leaders, and Joiarib and Elnathan, who were men of learning, 17 and I ordered them to go to Iddo, the leader in Kasiphia. I told them what to say to Iddo and his fellow Levites, the temple servants in Kasiphia, so that they might bring attendants to us for the house of our God. 8 Because the gracious hand of our God was on us, they brought us Sherebiah, a capable man, from the descendants of Mahli son of Levi, the son of Israel, and Sherebiah’s sons and brothers, 18 in all; 19 and Hashabiah, together with Jeshaiah from the descendants of Merari, and his brothers and nephews, 20 in all. 20 They also brought 220 of the temple servants—a body that David and the officials had established to assist the Levites. All were registered by name. 21 There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22 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.” 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” Ezra 8:15-23 NLT
Gracious God,
Ezra prophesied from afar in exile, and now he actually returns to Jerusalem. Leading a large group of essential people to get the Temple up and running to worship You, God. He checked and made sure he had everyone necessary. No Levites! But Your gracious hand Lord God brought them to join them. Travelling was very dangerous and took some time on foot. Especially with their belongings and the valuable goods they had for the Temple. But as Ezra says, again Your gracious hand God was upon them and so they travelled safely. They fasted and petitioned You. But then they had to trust You. Trust daily, that as each mile went by, Your gracious hand still protected them by day and by night!
Your gracious hand. Not a benevolent presence but active present help and provision. The pagan king Artaxerxes had not just given them permission to return in large numbers but had given gold and silver, letters outlining his permission for timber and help. Your gracious had provided and protected. Your gracious hand ( Ezra 7:6, 7:9, 7:28, 8:18, 8 :22, 8:31) appears 6 times in two chapters. Ezra wanted everyone to know it was all because of You.
Lord we would want to know what work You are doing in our day so we can help. Help us to do our best and look to You to enable us and to trust in Your gracious hand. And like Ezra to give all the praise and honor to You and not take any of the glory for ourselves.
And to worship You for Your gracious hand provides and protects us because You came and laid down Your life for us (1 John 3:16).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 4th October 2025
Standing on the edge of night
I feel the weight of empty hands
But I hear a whisper deep inside
Saying all shall be made right
My times are in Your hands O Lord
You turn the darkest nights to dawn
I’ll trust You now and evermore
For with You I am reborn
When shadows creep and dreams do fade
In Your light I find my way
Every step though fear invades
You guide me come what may
Chorus
No matter storms may gather round
You hold me fast, You keep me sound
For ashes beauty You have found
By Your grace I am crowned
Chorus twice
Lyrics Simon Byai