Eza 7:1 Now after this, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah, (ESV)
Ezra has ancestors with names that mean things like wasting, rebellious, and retribution, but his father's name means Jehovah is ruler. His grandfather's name means Jehovah has helped. His great grandfather's name means my portion is Jehovah. Ezra's name means help.
Ezra is going back to Jerusalem to help his people set their hearts toward God. He is apparently the fifth generation of a line of priests who have turned their hearts to God. A man named "retribution" chose to name his son "my portion is Jehovah." That started the line of faith that brought Ezra into the picture.
No matter what our past holds, no matter what our history, it is never too late to start down a different path. Who knows where that may lead and what God might do down the road because we chose to honor him. "Retribution" likely never saw the fruit of his decision to transition from retribution to faith, but we still reap benefit from that choice every time we pick up and read the book of Ezra.
Father, thank you for your grace and mercy that can turn ashes into beauty and bitterness into humble service. Today may I make choices that honor you.
By His grace,
Rick Weinert
Comments
Post a Comment