In this daily Bible reading is the account of Ezra leading a group of Jews back to Jerusalem from Babylon. It was a long journey.
The Bible says that Ezra’s group left Babylon in the first month of the seventh year of the reign of King Artexerxes. They arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of that year, a four month journey.
They had no military protection during their journey. Ezra had not requested an escort. Rather, Ezra put his Faith and trust in God to guide them safely on their journey.
God did guide and protect them. Ezra said, “The hand of our God was over us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and ambushes by the way.” Ezra demonstrated great Faith as travel in those days was very dangerous. Armed guards were necessary for travel between fortified cities.
Ezra’s demonstrated Faith is the kind of Faith God desires from us. The Bible says, “Without Faith it is impossible to please God.” The Bible also says, ”The righteous man shall live by Faith.” Faith in what, you might ask. Faith in Jesus Christ is the answer.
The Bible says that Jesus is the living Word of God. The Bible is the essence of Jesus, and it provides us with the only way to know Him. Our Faith therefore is demonstrated by our reading, understanding, believing and doing what the Bible tells us to do.
