A holy shame!
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"For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king—Our God protects all those who worship Him, but His fierce anger rages against those who abandon Him." Ezra 8:22
On many accounts, a convoy from the king would have been desirable for the pilgrim band—but a holy shame would not allow Ezra to seek one. He feared lest the heathen king would think that his professions of faith in God—to be mere hypocrisy, or imagine that the God of Israel was not able to preserve His own worshippers.
Ezra could not bring his mind to lean on an arm of flesh in a matter so evidently of the Lord; and therefore the caravan set out with no visible protection, guarded only 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 a measure walk by faith, occasionally mar the lustier of their life—by seeking aid from man. It is a most blessed thing to have no creature props and buttresses—but to stand upright on the Rock of Ages, upheld by the Lord alone!
Would any true believers seek state endowments for their Church—if they remembered that the Lord is dishonoured by their asking Caesar's aid? as if the Lord could not supply the needs of His own cause!
Should we run so hastily to friends and relations for help—if we remembered that the Lord is magnified by our implicit reliance upon His solitary arm? My soul, wait only upon God!
"But," says one, "are not means to be used?" Assuredly they are—but our fault seldom lies in their neglect—far more frequently it springs out of 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 by leaving means untried—if by using them you would dishonour the name of the Lord.
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