Ezra 8:22

“For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers
and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because
we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is
upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his
wrath is against all them that forsake him.”
— Ezra 8:22

A convoy on many accounts would have been desirable for the pilgrim
band, but a holy shame-facedness would not allow Ezra to seek one. He
feared lest the heathen king should think his professions of faith in
God to be mere hypocrisy, or imagine that the God of Israel was not
able to preserve his own worshippers. He could not bring his mind to
lean on an arm of flesh in a matter so evidently of the Lord, and
therefore the caravan set out with no visible protection, guarded by
him who is the sword and shield of his people. It is to be feared that
few believers feel this holy jealousy for God; even those who in a
measure walk by faith, occasionally mar the lustre of their life by
craving aid from man. It is a most blessed thing to have no props and
no buttresses, but to stand upright on the Rock of Ages, upheld by the
Lord alone. Would any believers seek state endowments for their Church,
if they remembered that the Lord is dishonoured by their asking
Caesar’s aid? as if the Lord could not supply the needs of his own
cause! Should we run so hastily to friends and relations for
assistance, if we remembered that the Lord is magnified by our implicit
reliance upon his solitary arm? My soul, wait thou only upon God.
“But,” says one, “are not means to be used?” Assuredly they are; but
our fault seldom lies in their neglect: far more frequently it springs
out of foolishly believing in them instead of believing in God. Few run
too far in neglecting the creature’s arm; but very many sin greatly in
making too much of it. Learn, dear reader, to glorify the Lord by
leaving means untried, if by using them thou wouldst dishonour the name
of the Lord.

On this day…

• Pain Intensifies – 2025
• Take Notice – 2025
• 1 Kings 6 – 2024
• 1 Kings 5 – 2024
• Technology and Faith: 12 Positives – 2012
• John Owen – What Was Accomplished in Christ’s Death? – 2012
• We need to know ourselves deeply – 2012
• The Eternal Gift of Salvation in Christ Jesus – 2012
• Grant that, to be loved as to love – 2012
• You will see heaven opened – 2011