Put in a Pickle

Ezra 8:23-24 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” 24 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

Have you ever said something that you later regretted? You made a promise, stuck your neck out for someone else, without realizing the full impact of your decision? And now you must live with the consequences of your words and it is painful.

It can be difficult to make good decisions at a moment’s notice. We usually do better if we have a little bit of time to contemplate the second and third order effects that come with the decision. It is not that the best decision isn’t often your first impulsive decision, but we often want to have considered the costs. It helps us when the bill collector comes to collect!

Teenagers are notorious for making rash decisions. Their brains aren’t fully operational. They need software updates that aren’t scheduled until they reach their twenties. And some of us have missed a few updates along the way!

The people of Israel have spent 70 years in exile, taken there by the Babylonians where they remained even when the Persians took over. They are now on their way back to Jerusalem to reestablish life on their own land. They are on mission to set up the Temple and resume the worship prescribed by Moses.

But some of their decisions have gotten them in a place of concern. Ezra had told the king that the LORD would protect them on their journey, that He was for them and against those who opposed what He was doing. This set a high bar for their faith.

Think about traveling through Seattle on foot to a friends house who lives in the strife torn section of that city. How would you feel about traveling there right now? Remember, no police are going to be able to help you if something bad happens. How would you feel?

That is the position these people feel. The pressure is on and Ezra calls for prayer. He could ask the king for protection, which he would undoubtedly grant. This is a king sanctioned event. Surely he would provide protection.

But Ezra has boasted about the LORD’s capabilities and now he must walk that out. No wonder he calls for prayer. He has presented the reputation of the LORD as someone who can and will protect His people. Now the rubber meets the road. His words of faith must match his actions that result from faith.

Notice that Ezra doesn’t do this alone. He alone has petitioned the king and been granted permission to return and rebuild. And yet he gathers all involved in the travel to his side for prayer. He might have gotten them into this mess, but he realizes that he is not alone. All those traveling with him must live with his decision not to ask the king for protection. So he gathers them for prayer.

What I find fascinating is that the text says that “he answered our prayer.” Wow! How did they know He answered? Was there something that happened during their joint prayer time together that indicated an answer had been granted?

But doesn’t God always answer prayers, yes, no or wait? How did they have the confidence to weigh out over 200 million of dollars of gold and silver and travel across unprotected territory? Brinks security anyone?

And yet this is exactly what they did. I would say the LORD answered their prayer. They arrived safely and measured out the treasure again, and it was all there. What a relief!

So what big act of faith is the LORD putting in your path right now, something so big that you have to gather people around you to support you or you just know you will fail?

I think we too often just say, “Oh, I can handle this myself.” “No use bothering the Big Man Upstairs with this little thing.”

But nothing the LORD is calling you to do is a small thing. The content of the calling is an eternal thing. You might be able to make it through without Him, but with Him it will take on a different dimension, an eternal dimension. And without Him it is just a human accomplishment, something that won’t last.