“For I was ashamed to request from the king … ” – Ezra 8:22

A HOLY SENSE OF SHAME

“For I was ashamed to request from the king troops and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, ‘The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.’” – Ezra 8:22

For many reasons, a military escort would have been desirable for Ezra and the group of exiles returning to Jerusalem. But a holy sense of shame kept Ezra from asking for one. He feared that the pagan king might think his bold declarations of faith in God were empty words—or worse, conclude that the God of Israel was unable to protect His own people. Ezra could not bring himself to rely on human strength in a matter that so clearly belonged to the Lord. So the caravan set out without visible protection, but fully guarded by the One who is both the sword and the shield of His people.

Sadly, few believers today feel this kind of holy jealousy for God’s honor. Even those who generally walk by faith often weaken their testimony by running to human help instead of fully resting in God. It is a blessed thing to have no props or supports except the Rock of Ages, and to stand upright, upheld by Him alone. Would churches seek state subsidies if they remembered that asking for Caesar’s aid dishonors the Lord—as though He were unable to provide for His own cause? Would we so quickly run to friends and relatives for help if we remembered that God is glorified when we lean only on His arm?

Someone may ask, “But aren’t we supposed to use means?” Yes, of course—means are not to be despised. But our danger rarely lies in neglecting them. Far more often, it lies in trusting the means instead of trusting God. Few err by disregarding human help entirely; but many fall into sin by depending too much on it. Learn, dear believer, to glorify the Lord by refusing any path that would dishonor His name—even if that means leaving certain human aids untried.