Sent By Divine Appointment: A Call to Obedience and Leadership
"Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;" - Ezra 7:14
In the book of Ezra, we encounter a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites, who are returning from Babylonian exile to rebuild their land and restore their covenant with God. Ezra 7:14 states, "Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;" This verse encapsulates the essence of divine mission and human responsibility, serving as a clarion call for those who dare to lead according to God's directives.
When we reflect on this verse, we find significant themes emerging: authority and mission, the importance of law, and the call to investigate and understand God’s purposes. Ezra, a scribe well-versed in God’s law, was commissioned by the king of Persia. This appointment highlights an important principle: sometimes, God's servants are placed in positions of influence that intersect secular authority. Ezra's situation reminds us that the work of God does not happen in isolation from the world; rather, it often unfolds within the frameworks of political and social structures.
Ezra was not merely a passive recipient of this mail; he was sent with a purpose—to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem. This mandate required him to delve deeply into the situation of his people, to glean insights, and to bring back a report that was consistent with the righteousness demanded by the law of God. It speaks volumes about the responsibility leaders hold—they are to seek understanding before acting. In our own lives, this principle rings true. Whether we serve as a leader in the workplace, in our families, or within our communities, we must take the time to inquire of the Lord and discern His will. We must approach God’s law as Ezra did—aligning every strategy, every plan, and every inquiry with His commands.
The phrase, "according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand" emphasizes personal responsibility in handling God's law. Ezra did not merely hold the law in a theoretical sense; it was integral to his life and mission. It highlights a relationship—a connection between sacred texts and daily existence. For us today, it is an invitation to internalize the Word of God, allowing it to inform our decisions, guide our actions, and ultimately define our conduct as leaders in every sphere of life. The law of God serves as a compass, providing direction that is often needed in times of uncertainty.
As we meditate on this verse, we are challenged to reflect on whom God has called us to serve and how we can inquire about their needs with a heart aligned to the Lord. Are we merely fulfilling roles, or are we actively engaging with those we lead, seeking to understand their struggles and aspirations? Are we inviting them into the life-giving principles of God's law that are meant to bless our lives? God calls us to be more than leaders; He calls us to be shepherds of His people.
Furthermore, this sending is undergirded by the recognition of divine oversight—the king's approval was significant, but it was ultimately God who orchestrated these events. In this light, we are reminded that our authority is not self-derived; it comes from a higher source. We, too, must rely on God's authority and guidance as we act within the frameworks of our responsibilities, knowing that when we lead according to His ways, we align ourselves with His purpose.
In conclusion, Ezra’s commission is a profound model for us as we seek to engage in mission-led lives. May we find inspiration in his dedication to inquiry, his commitment to the law of God, and his standing in a world of authority, all under the sovereign hand of God. Let us embrace this calling with a heart prepared to serve, lead, and love according to the wisdom found in God's Word, carrying the law not just in our hands but also within our hearts.
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Ezra 7:14 - "Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;"
"Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;" - Ezra 7:14
Ezra 7:12 - "Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time."
Ezra 7:10 - "For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments."
Ezra 7:1 - "Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,"
Ezra 2:14 - "The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six."
Ezra 7:11 - "¶ Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel."
Ezra 7:2 - "The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,"
Ezra 7:4 - "The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,"
Ezra 8:14 - "Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males."
Ezra 7:3 - "The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,"
Ezra 2:7 - "The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four."
Ezra 8:7 - "And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males."
Ezra 7:8 - "And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king."
Ezra 7:21 - "And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,"
Ezra 7:7 - "And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king."
Ezra 7:5 - "The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest:"
Ezra 7:6 - "This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him."
Ezra 7:25 - "And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not."
"The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six." - Ezra 2:14
"Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time." - Ezra 7:12
"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments." - Ezra 7:10
Ezra 5:7 - "They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace."
"Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah," - Ezra 7:1
"The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki," - Ezra 7:4
Ezra 7:19 - "The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem."
Ezra 7:18 - "And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God."
"The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth," - Ezra 7:3
"The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub," - Ezra 7:2
Ezra 10:7 - "And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto Jerusalem;"