10/12/26

Ezra 8:21 NASB95 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a safe journey for us, our little ones, and all our possessions.

Ezra had gathered a large group to make the trip back to Jerusalem. He had everything he needed for the trip except protection from thieves and the dangers associated with travel over such a long distance. Thieves would catch them in areas where the people were trapped, force them to hand over money, food, women, and children whom they could sell as slaves. The other dangers could be starvation from lack of food, dehydration from lack of water, physical illness, and injury along the way. On top of all of these, there are always the dangers of weather conditions that could endanger the people who lacked adequate shelter.

Because of all the above-mentioned reasons, Ezra proclaimed (called, ordered) a fast among the people. There is no time that our heart is closer to the Lord than when we are in great distress. Physical illness, life-threatening situations, complete brokenness, and extreme suffering bring about an understanding of our desperate need for a divine deity. When we know that deity personally as our Lord and Savior and understand that He is the only true God, we then begin to comprehend His omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent authority to provide all. We are brought to a state of humbling struggles because of our mortal, finite existence. We truly then seek Him with earnest desire. This brings about closeness. A fast to the point of true need for sustenance brings us to that point, and this was the reason for Ezra's call for a fast.

The journey was long and hard. The threats were real. The dangers were extreme. However, God is creator, redeemer, and sustainer. Therefore, the plan was perfect according to God's will. Completely seek Him for life.

Today we see the example that is available to bring about true humility and an earnest desire for God to provide the needs of our lives. Are you willing to obediently follow even when the dangers and sufferings are real? Are you willing to bring about more struggles through fasting in order to reveal to yourself true humility to aid in your understanding of God's omni attributes? Thus, you can pray with a great closeness to God.

True, closeness to God requires a humbleness that reveals a true necessity for God!

I pray today we will all find that humility in our hearts. If we are struggling to find it, then, Lord, I pray, break us until we experience this need.

Love, Brother Scott