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Morning and Evening

September 24, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him; but His power and His wrath is against all them that forsake Him." — Ezra 8:22 · KJV

A convoy would have been desirable in many ways for the pilgrim band, but a holy shamefacedness would not let Ezra ask for one. He feared the heathen king might think his professions of faith in God were mere hypocrisy, or imagine that the God of Israel was unable to preserve His own worshippers. He could not bring himself to lean on an arm of flesh in a matter so plainly of the Lord, and so the caravan set out with no visible protection, guarded by Him who is the sword and shield of His people. It is to be feared that few believers feel this holy jealousy for God; even those who in some measure walk by faith occasionally mar the luster of their life by craving help from man. It is a most blessed thing to have no props and no buttresses, but to stand upright on the Rock of Ages, upheld by the Lord alone. Would believers seek the state's aid for their church, if they remembered that the Lord is dishonored by asking Caesar's help — as if the Lord could not supply the needs of His own cause? Should we run so hastily to friends and relatives for help, if we remembered that the Lord is magnified by our full reliance on His solitary arm? My soul, wait only on God. "But," says one, "are not means to be used?" Assuredly they are; but our fault seldom lies in neglecting them — far more often it springs from foolishly believing in them instead of believing in God. Few run too far in neglecting the creature's arm, but very many sin greatly in making too much of it. Learn, dear reader, to glorify the Lord even by leaving means untried, if by using them you would dishonor the name of the Lord.