Humble Prayer To Serve The Lord
Ezra 8:15 says, “And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.”
Ezra led a group of people back from captivity under the Persian rule (Ez 1:1), to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Prior to their journey, he gathered the group “to the river that runneth to Ahava,” where he proclaimed a fast there, so they can afflict themselves before “God, to seek of Him a right way” (v. 21). Prayer is always associated with fasting (Ps 35:13). Because it afflicts our soul (Isa 58:3), to humble ourselves before the Lord (Ps 10:12), so we can seek His guidance and direction (Ps 25:4). When Ezra “viewed the people” that gathered, he noticed that there were no sons of Levi (Num 3:6). Ezra knew the importance of their ministry “for the house of our God” (v. 17).
So, a call for the Levites was sent out and a small remnant responded (v. 20)! Ezra did not ask the king to provide them with soldiers to help against the enemy along the way. Because he knew that the hand of “God is upon all them for good that seek Him” (v. 22). Ezra humbly acknowledged the truth that God had to convict His people before they can willingly serve Him (Isa 1:19). As God’s children, we must always be humble (Jms 4:10), and have “a willing mind” (2 Cor 8:12), to effectively serve Him!
God requires workers as well as leaders (Heb 13:17). Without willing workers, the leader has to do much of the work. But if there are workers, they still need to understand and capture the vision of their leader (Prov 29:18)! Our Lord Jesus is the “head of the body, the church” (Col 1:18), and we are “members of that one body” (1 Cor 12:12). We are called to be “labourers together with God” (1 Cor 3:9). This is a vital ministry that He wants us to do. May we always give Him our very best! God bless you!
- Pastor Melito Barrera
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