Ezra chapter 6 verses 21-22 (NIV)
So the Israelites who had returned from the exile ate it, together with all who had separated themselves from the unclean practices of their Gentile neighbours in order to seek the Lord, the God of Israel. For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.
Two things struck me about these verses today. There were some who had remained in the land who wanted to participate in the celebration of the Passover with the returning exiles. But in order to be able to do so they had kept themselves from the habits and practices of their gentile neighbours in order to seek the Lord. What a great example. They didn’t try to fit in, they chose to stand out. It can be easy to think that by trying to fit in, we will encourage others to seek God’s ways when. In fact, we can only do that by taking a stand for God.
The second thing that caught my attention was the acknowledgement that God had changed the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he came to the assistance of the exiles. This is an encouragement that no matter how set in their ways someone can be, God is able to change their attitude towards Him. No-on is out with God’s reach. What an amazing God we have!
Dear Lord,
Thank You that You promise that if we seek You with all of our hearts, we will surely find You. AndThank You for reminding us that You can change the attitude and heart of anyone, and turn them to You. A