Old Testament reading: Ezra 8
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt 12:34). The same might be said concerning our prayers. What things find prominence when I pray? In verse 21 Ezra calls for fasting and prayer before traveling on to Jerusalem. This prayer contained four requests: 1) humility for all in God’s sight; 2) direction for themselves; 3) direction concerning their children; and 4) direction concerning their possessions (v 21). Most of us pray often for guidance for ourselves and our children, but how often do we pray for guidance concerning our material blessings? We often give thanks, but the giving of thanks is not the same as requesting wisdom to use our blessings wisely. Let us ask ourselves, “How would praying in such a way affect my attitude toward my possessions? And how would it affect my giving?” The purpose of Ezra’s prayer was his refusal to ask the king for an armed escort, since he had earlier claimed the favor of God as being upon those who serve him and against all who forsake him. Ezra notes that God answered their prayer (v 23) and provided safety in their journey to Jerusalem (v 31).
New Testament reading: Revelation 8-11
Revelation 10:8-11 parallels Ezekiel 2:9-3:3 and the eating of the scroll. As in Ezekiel’s day, the scroll was sweet to the taste but bitter to the stomach. So it often is with preaching God’s Word. It is sweet to the preacher as he receives it, as it fills his heart and satisfies his soul. However, it becomes bitter as he realizes the difficulties wrought in the lives of those who hear it. For example, we should rejoice in God’s plan for and elevation of marriage. God created this holy union and His word was given as a jealous guardian thereof. But the vast majority of the world, and an alarmingly increasing number among the Lord’s church, no longer hold this sacred institution in the esteem it deserves. Of this very text and its implications, Johnny Ramsey once preached, “When I preach on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, it hits some of my kinfolks right in the middle of our lives. But I still gotta preach it.” Calling men out of a world of darkness into the marvelous light of Christ is a daunting and difficult task, and is often met with the bitter stomach experienced by Ezekiel and John.
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