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Ezra 7:25-26, And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach any who do not know them. Whoever does not obey the law of your God and the law of the king must surely be punished by death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment.

This chapter begins with a long genealogy of Ezra.  While Ezra was not a high priest, he was from the priestly line and the author finds it important to show this.  Ezra himself came to Jerusalem from Babylon.  What’s interesting to me here is that the Scripture clearly says that Ezra was very learned when it came to God’s law.  That lets us know that, even in exile, there was a Jewish community that was still learning and studying God’s Word.  Besides studying the Law, the text says that Ezra was one who observed and followed it as well.  It’s one thing to know God’s Word; it’s another thing to actually obey it.

Towards the end of the chapter, we read about how the Persian king had granted Ezra the authority over the Jews in that region.  The king no doubt wanted to ensure peace but he also wanted to be sure that the Jewish residents were following Persian law.

What I find fascinating in this text is the trust that the king has in Ezra. His wisdom and integrity must have preceded him, or maybe the king knew Ezra personally.  We don’t really have the details.  But it reminds me of Joseph, who was trusted by the Egyptian Pharoah and given great authority over the land and the people.  God, at times, opens up doors so his people are put in very strategic places to ensure that God’s purpose will be accomplished.  Both Ezra and Joseph were working in secular (really pagan) settings; God very intentionally placed them there. 

Fast forward to today.  Our culture is clearly secular.  What openings has God provided for you to achieve HIS greater purpose in secular settings?  Might God be placing you in specific roles in order to expand his Kingdom?  How might God be calling you to point people to Jesus in your neighborhood, at work, on an association board, at the grocery store, or on the golf course?

Let’s pray…Lord, Give us the courage to point people to you in all kinds of settings.  Open our eyes so that we can see when you would have us speak up for you.  More of you and less of me, Jesus.  Amen.