Message from Michael

As we begin a new year, I want to share with you a few verses from Ezra (chapter 7 verses 6-10). They outline a journey that an Old Testament figure named ‘Ezra’ made. We read how this Ezra “came up from Babylon” along with many others where they were returning to their homeland of Judea and Jerusalem after a period of captivity. Ezra “was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given. The king (Artaxerxes of Babylon) had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him.”

And though Ezra, accompanied by his entourage, had a 900-mile arduous journey ahead of them we read how “Ezra … had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him.”

Note how twice we hear this refrain of Ezra’s favour before God – that “the hand of the Lord his God was on him” and “the gracious hand of his God was on him”.

And we actually are given a reason for this favour upon Ezra’s life – both in his fulsome granted requests before the king and in his long, no doubt difficult journey … Why the favour of God upon his life? … “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”

At the outset of this new year, we are those who are setting out on a journey – from the first day of the first month – a journey that may be arduous or troublesome – along with others – with unexpected twists and turns perhaps – who can tell what a year may bring?

So, may we be those who follow Ezra’s example – may we devote ourselves to, in our case, God’s word – the scriptures. The early church “devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching” as well as “to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” And, along with other ‘ingredients’ they gained a recipe for significant growth (Acts 2:42).

I suggest that our trust is not placed in our own ability to work things out, or solve problems that arise, but that we place our trust and devotion fully in God who has given us the scriptures, along with prayer, worship and fellowship.

May we be those, who take every opportunity to study, observe and share with others the scriptures. You don’t have to have a theology qualification. Coming to and understanding the scriptures is for everyone – this is not to be regarded as ‘rocket science’. Though it may be a bit like ‘brain surgery’ for we read how Jesus, when journeying with a couple of his disciples, “… opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45)

You see, the Holy Spirit Himself comes alongside us to help us to read, understand and grow – Jesus said to his disciples, “… the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26)

May we be like the people of Berea who were of “noble character … for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what [the apostle] Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11)

Paul himself wrote that “the Holy Scriptures … are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15) and that “everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4).

So, how about, at the beginning of 2021 you set yourself the noble task of taking time to read through the Bible, at your own pace, and gain for yourself wisdom, teaching, encouragement, endurance and hope. May the gracious hand of the Lord God be upon you, as you are granted all that you need in the journey ahead – whatever that journey may bring.