Ezra 8:21
Ezra's bragging about God's greatness put him in a difficult situation, but it also gave God an opportunity to demonstrate His power and provision.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the challenges faced by Ezra and the Israelites during their journey back to Jerusalem, highlighting the dangers of the long trek through hostile territory. Ezra's faith in God was put to the test as he had boasted about God's protection to the king, making it difficult to ask for military assistance. Instead, Ezra chose to rely on prayer and fasting, demonstrating the importance of aligning actions with faith. The sermon encourages believers to make their confessions of faith consistent with their actions and to trust in God's provision. Ultimately, Ezra's reliance on God led to a successful arrival in Jerusalem, showcasing the power of faith in challenging circumstances.
Text
"PUT ON THE SPOT FOR GOD"
Intro: First contingency to return from Babylon began the rebuilding of the Temple. Work
bogged down and finally stopped. 78 years after first Ezra given permission to take
2nd 1500 adult males and approx. $5,000,000. in silver and gold for temple.
I. THE PERILS OF THE JOURNEY.
A. Trip was long & hard.
1. Nearly 1200 miles.
2. A 4 month trek.
3. No super highways.
4. No hotel facilities.
a. Make camp each night.
b. Average 10 1/2 miles per day.
5. Possibly a total of 5,000 making trip when women & children considered.
a. Imagine the provisions necessary.
B. The trip was all in hostile territory.
1. Armed bands of thieves lived off the travelers.
2. The women & small children made flight from enemy impossible.
3. The enormous treasure that they carried made them a tempting target.
The only sane & wise thing to do is to ask the King for a detachment
of soldiers to go along as guards for the treasure, but this was
impossible because.
II. EZRA HAD BEEN BRAGGING TO THE KING ABOUT JEHOVAH.
A. Ezra well versed in their scriptures.
a. "Ready scribe in law of God."
b. "Prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord & to do it and teach it."
B. He had told King of greatness of Jehovah.
a. How he delivered fathers out of Egypt.
1. Parted Sea.
2. Preserved in wilderness.
3. Gave them the land.
4. Watched over Israel.
C. Now to ask for soldiers to help guard would be inconsistent with his testimony.
1. How vital that our actions are consistent with out words.
2. "I love God more than anything in the world."
a. "I would love to give him his tithes but my new car payment keeps
me strapped."
3. "I'm so hungry to learn more about God."
a. "I'd like to come to Sun. night but my favorite TV show is on."
b. I'd read the Bible if I just had time.
4. I believe that I don't have to work & God will take care of all my needs.
a. "Could you spare me 5 bucks?"
D. Ezra's bragging put him on the spot.
1. This could be fatal if you were bragging about yourself.
2. But to be put in this kind of spot bragging on what God can do, gives Him
opportunity.
E. What is "Confession of faith."
1. My stating what I believe God is going to do.
a. Salvation, healing, finances, growth in Christ ... I am crucified..."
2. Importance of saying it.
a. Mark 11:22-24 "Shall have... he saith."
b. Heb. 11:13 "seen, persuaded, embraced, confessed."
c. Barbara Willis regarding tumor.
d. Missionaries in Africa.
3. Make your confession according to the Word.
a. Stand on promises.
4. Live & act consistent with your confession.
a. If you are declaring that God is going to take care of your
obligations then-
1. Quit worrying.
Ill. EZRA'S ACTIONS.
A. Because of his bragging logical answer out no request for soldiers.
B. Ezra called upon the people to fast & pray.
1. Safe journey for us & our little ones.
C. 7:9 And on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem according to the
good hand of his God upon him"
Sermon Outline
- The Perils of the Journey
- Ezra's Bragging to the King
- Ezra's Actions
- Logical Answer Out, No Request for Soldiers
- Stating what I believe God is going to do
- Ezra Called Upon the People to Fast and Pray
- Importance of saying it, make your confession according to the Word
- Safe Journey for Us and Our Little Ones
- Ezra's Bragging Put Him on the Spot
- Confession of Faith
- Live and act consistent with your confession
Key Quotes
“I love God more than anything in the world.” — Chuck Smith
“I'd like to come to Sun. night but my favorite TV show is on.” — Chuck Smith
“Could you spare me 5 bucks?” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should strive to live and act consistently with our confession of faith.
- Fasting and prayer can be a powerful way to seek God's guidance and provision.
- We should trust in God's provision and protection, even in the face of danger and uncertainty.