We had a quick reading in Ezra 8.

It continues with Ezra recruiting a group of people to return with him to Jerusalem. Ezra 7:28 Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.

It was repeated throughout chapter 8 that the hand of the Lord was on them. 8:18, 22, 31. Ezra noted that every situation was part of God’s sovereign plan and even more obvious was when God protected them from their enemies.

God’s sovereign and gracious hand was upon them and so Ezra fasted and prayed and worshiped. This was the posture that they took when they went to rebuild the temple. It was reminder for us that when we take on any task… our first reaction should be that of worship. Our first move should be to our knees in prayer, to song in praise, to our hearts to worship.

So we read chapter 8 and worshiped God…