Preparing for the Lord's Day
Rebuilding the Kingdom
Three times in Ezra chapter seven the author tells us that Ezra had success because the hand of the Lord was upon him (verses 7, 9, 28). Throughout the Word of God, the image of a hand is of great importance. It is by the hand of the Lord that the people of Israel were delivered from slavery in Egypt (Deuteronomy 9:26). It is by the hand of the Lord that we are saved from our enemies (Psalm 17:7). And it is at the right hand of God that the Lord Jesus reigns and rules his church (Ephesians 1:20). The hand of God is an expression of his power to rule and reign in this world. Therefore, the phrase the hand of the Lord was upon him, means that Ezra was empowered by God to accomplish a mission.
How did this empowering favor come to Ezra and how might we live in the same power today? As we read our text for this week, we will see that to live in the empowering favor of God we must live under His grace, in His Word, and for His mission. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Ezra 7, Deuteronomy 9:26, Haggai 1:5-6, Romans 6:15, 1 Peter 2:9, and the Westminster Confession of Faith 8.8.
This week we will celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper during our worship service. As we receive the elements of bread and wine look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ. For as we physically receive the signs of the Lord’s body and blood, spiritually we feed upon him and all his benefits. Our hymns for this week include “All Praise to God, Who Reigns Above,” “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” and “Rejoice, the Lord is King.”
Sermon Information:
Text: Ezra 7
Title: The Empowering Favor of God
Outline:
- You Must Live Under God’s Grace (vv. 1-6)
- You Must Live In God’s Word (vv. 7-10)
- You Must Live For God’s Mission (vv. 11-28)