Ezra 7:28

Ezra 7:28

I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the LORD my God was on me.

Three times in Ezra 7 we find a variation of the phrase “The gracious hand of the LORD was on [Ezra].” Earlier in the chapter we discover exactly why God chose to show Ezra so much favor: “Because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and to teach [it] to the people” (verse 10). There are few things we should want more than God’s favor, because receiving his favor means we are in a healthy relationship with him. Whatever good comes to us is because God graciously chooses to give it. And as we dedicate ourselves to studying and obeying his Word, it becomes very clear what kind of life honors him most and puts us in a position to receive more favor from him.