Romans 15:4 For 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.
There are no unnecessary details in the Bible. Everything written in it including chronology, historical details regarding dates, times and durations are written to teach us the mysterious ways of the Lord. The description of the events, struggles and the tests of the ancient heroes of the faith have been recorded to encourage us and cheer us on in the journey of faith and to boost our hope. Hence, every detail in the Bible has a purpose and significance.
Ezra the scribe, played a crucial role in leading the exiles back to Jerusalem from Babylon. In 458BC during the time of Artaxerxes I, the king of Persia approximately led 1,496 men (excluding women and children). He carried 650 talents of silver, approximately about 22–24 metric tons of silver and 100 talents of gold which is about 3.4–3.8 metric tons of gold that was plundered from the temple of the Lord during captivity back in Jerusalem. Before the entourage embarked on the journey with the people and the precious possessions, Ezra declared a fast. There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions (Ezra 8:21). This scribe had earlier proudly boasted about the power of His God to the king, hence he was ashamed to request for human escorts but sought the heavenly hosts to accompany and protect them.
Bible scholars are unsure about the duration of the fast. It might have been for a day or 3 days however, the lesson that Ezra teaches us is to seek the Lord in fasting and prayer before commencing any project – big or small.
Proclaim a Fast:
- People: Pray for your family, friends, foes, employers and colleagues. Prayer brings divine favour and connections.
- Possession: Cover the possessions, jobs and business under the Lord’s protection.
- Prospect: Commit the prospect and vision to the Lord for His guidance.
Fast and pray for the favour of God on all your assignments.
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, I will seek your face to teach, guide and lead me. Amen.
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