The Sovereignty of God

UV 1219/10,000 The Sovereignty of God
And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me
Ezra 7 v 28

When the hand of the Lord our God is upon us, we are greatly strengthened. He will enable us to be viewed favourably by those who are the leaders of the land, their advisers as well as before all other authorities. Ezra and Nehemiah were both given the support and permission of the king of Persia to revive the temple of God and to re-build the walls of Jerusalem as the Lord extended His mercy towards them. They were able to mobilise men and resources to complete their mission of re-building the walls of Jerusalem and the temple of Jehovah. Similarly, we are enabled to take up projects that are ordained by the Lord by giving us favour with the concerned authorities. He will cause our leadership to be effective, purposive and productive.

King Artaxerxes under whom Ezra and Nehemiah served recognized the power, grace and sovereignty of God. He ordered that all the vessels of gold and silver as well as bullion and other provisions required to re-build the temple be given liberally. He called Ezra the “scribe of the God of heaven.” He gave him authority to appoint judges and magistrates and to teach the law of God to the people. Truly, when God gives a man a vision and the anointing to lead, He will change unfavourable circumstances to favourable and will give the provision to fulfil the vision. The walls of Jerusalem are a metaphor for our defences. The gates are a symbol of God-given opportunities. The Lord will enable us to re-build our defences and to re-gain our opportunities.

When we seek the Lord with all our heart, His hand of mercy will be upon us. He is waiting to strengthen those whose hearts are set on seeking the Lord and to do His will on earth. Both Ezra and Nehemiah were but bondmen or foreign captives in the Persian empire. God again proved that spiritual power and influence supercedes the political. Godly leaders exercise such a spiritual power and influence in the conduct of their affairs and in the fulfilment of their vision.

Prateep V Philip