Ezra: A personal commitment to serve

Ezra 6:22 (NIV)
For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast 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. 

The Passover Feast was celebrated commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt. Moses had been God's emissary, praying to God and working for God in an effort to change the heart of Pharaoh. Years later, Ezra was observing Passover and praising God for changing the mind and heart of King Artaxerxes so they could continue rebuilding the Temple.

We would do well to follow suit.  When all seems lost, when our world around us causes us to pause and wonder when God will send His Son back to us, we need to pray. Nothing happens until we pray. There are many ways to pray for God's help. Have you ever considered that God would change the attitude of a person or group of people? God is infinitely powerful; his insight and wisdom transcend the laws of human nature.

Ezra was committed to do the right thing and God used this man to unite a nation. We all need a purpose, a goal that brings us together and makes the work we must do a joy. What fun it is when we come together for a common cause and change our world for the better. It can be one little thing or it can be a huge undertaking we never thought we could do. But that's just it, we can't do it without help. God is that help and prayer is the vehicle to get God's attention.

Ezra achieved great things and made a significant impact because he had the right starting place for his actions and his life: God's Word. He studied it seriously and applied it faithfully. He taught others what he learned. He is, therefore, a great model for anyone who wants to live for God. --Life Application Study Bible.

Ezra 6:19-22