Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-08-31
Sunday School Lesson
DR.. Hugh T. Stevenson.

| life of his countrymen in the faith and
heart. A large number had responded
| to his call for co-workers at the river
that runneth to Ahava." Although
there were large number Of Babylonian
Jews assembled, ready to go with him.
Ezra learned by personal investigation
that a shortage existed among the
musicians, porters and ministers OF
Gods house. The Levites felt that the
subordinate position assigned them
held no attractions for them. so did not
respond. Ezra was a practical man, for
ne sent for Nethinims, who were SerV-
ants of the Levites, to take their places
and go with him as the religious min
listers of Gods house.
He called upon all the members OF
the expeditionary forces to join with
him in season of fasting and prayer
for Gods watchcare and protection
Ezra assured the heather king that
Jehovah could take care Of the expe-
dtion during their adventure of faith
for His glory Although they were not
protected by any military guard and
passed through sections infested with
robber bands, nothing was lost during
the four months march. Their faith
was justified in the eyes Of the heather
and was deepened in their own life
:
Secret Of Success.
Five times in his account Of the
success of the expedition Ezra refers
to 1.-The hand of our God" as the power
that brought things to pass. 1t was
Gods hand that moved ArtaXerEes
that helped Ezra secure the volunteers
for the journey. that obtained min
listers for the house of our God, among
others a man of discretion" that pro-
tected them on their way and brought
them in safety to Jerusalem. Ezra
placed God first and God honored His
servant. Placing God FIRST always in
sures victory. II We seek first the
kingdom OF God and His Righteousness,
all other things are added unto us.
Ezra revealed executive ability and
initiative He assigned definite tasks
to his leaders and charged them to
protect the gifts intrusted to them
with great care. He provided for the
filling up Of any gaps that should
occur in their ranks during the jour-
ney He did not accept any men who
had been forced to sign up, for he
allowed only volunteers to accompany
him to Jerusalem. He adopted strict
business methods in handling all the
financial matters and gifts intrusted to
him for his work in Palestine. A strict
account was made before they departed
and upon their arrival in Palestine.
Outside of Trinity Church in Boston
Mass, made famous by the ministry of
Phillips Brooks. there is statue of
the great pastor and preacher. Saint
Gaudens sought to give an interpreta-
ton Of the eminent bishops power by
placing the hand of the Lord Jesus
upon the shoulders of Phillips Brooks
Standing behind him and guiding every
preacher, pastor and priest in His serv-
ice, the presence and power Of the
Lords hand makes His servants work
success. If we are to succeed, we
must follow the example of Ezra and
other eminent leaders. Stonewall jack
son. Chinese Gordon. Hudson Taylor
William Booth and many others whose
lives inspire us to serve the Lord Jesus
were men Of prayer. who followed their
seasons of devotion by trying to do
the Lords will as He revealed it unto
them during their season of prayer.