Key Text: Ezra 8:21
Then I proclaimed a fast by the river of Ahava that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek a safe journey for ourselves, our children , and all our possessions from him.
Historical Background
In the first year of his reign, King Cyrus of Persia allowed a small portion of the Jews in captivity to return to their land. Led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, they were commissioned to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1-2).
By 516 BC, they had finished the Temple, but after a brief period of religious zeal, the nation soon fell into apostasy. The Temple services and sacrifices were neglected, and immorality became prevalent.
In 458 BC, Ezra, a priest, scholar and law teacher (Ezra 7:6, 12, 25), who led another group of Jews to Jerusalem from their captivity. After a four-month journey, they arrived in Palestine, and Ezra began instituting reforms to reestablish the laws of God.
EZRA dilemma
Before leaving, though, Ezra had boasted to the king, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him” (Ezra 8:22). Though what he said was true and appropriately proclaimed his faith, he later regretted that he had been so proud.
When they began their travels, the company of Jews became quite aware of the dangers of the open road. They had every reason to be afraid. In addition to brigands and highwaymen, they had to fear the people of the lands they would cross. As has been true throughout history, the Jews were not well regarded across the Middle East. What would you do if you were in his case.
This weekend, September 8-10, 2023, we encourage you to pray in the morning (6 am) and in the evening (6.pm) by denying yourself of food to focus on God.
Here is a link to the prayer focus for each time of prayer.
