Also, from Ezra we see the need, the necessity, to step out in faith against all odds. Like Ezra in the long ago, our faith must be a working and an active faith. James writes this in the New Testament: “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead,” James 2:17. And this faith that we’re describing, the faith that we see in this one Ezra, is a faith which says, “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13. And it is a faith that says that all things can “work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose,” Romans 8:28. And it’s a faith that says, “Nothing can separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus my Lord,” Romans 8: 38 and 39. And thus, working faith that we’re speaking about here is a faith that is motivated by love, Galatians 5, verse 6. I submit to you this morning that, this congregation has already demonstrated such a faith in many ways. As we continue to do so, we will go on being a congregation of God’s people, who will step out in faith, even against all odds.

Finally, from Ezra we see, too, that facing up to difficult issues and situations are a necessary component to have the hand of the Lord God upon us. It is easier when we encounter difficult times to capitulate, even to “cut and run,” so to speak. But we can’t. We must remain strong; we must stand and fight. It may make us uncomfortable and it may make us unpopular. This standing, this fighting, may even be done at an expense, perhaps even a risk, to us. But, as God’s people, we are compelled to stand against the wiles of Satan. And as we do, we are promised the strength and the wherewithal to face the enemy. As Paul said, “Stand fast in the Lord,” Philippians 4, verse 1. As the body of Christ, the body of Christ made up of individuals who have courage, who are willing to take a stand, who are willing to meet even difficult matters head on, then we as a congregation will also have the same attitude, the same character about us. And we will be willing to go against those who would pervert the Gospel, to oppose those who would attack sound doctrine. We must be prepared to stand for Truth and righteousness, and to defend the faith at all cost.

There are many more things we could say about what we see in the life of this good man, Ezra. But, shall we let this suffice, and shall we also let the example of Ezra encourage us to live in Christ. As individual Christians, and as a congregation of God’s people, may we can look back on the events of our lives, on the events of weeks and months and even years past, and be able to say with confidence, “The hand of the Lord my God was upon me” or “The hand of the Lord my God was upon us.” Shall it be so.