Ezra 8:22

A convoy would have been desirable for the pilgrim band for many reasons, but a holy reluctance would not allow Ezra to seek one. He feared that the heathen king might think his professions of faith in God were mere hypocrisy, or imagine that the God of Israel was unable to preserve His own worshippers.

He could not bring himself to lean on an arm of flesh in a matter so evidently the Lord's, and therefore the caravan set out with no visible protection, guarded by Him who is the sword and shield of His people. It is to be feared that few believers feel this holy jealousy for God; even those who, to some extent, walk by faith, occasionally tarnish the radiance of their life by craving aid from man.

It is a most blessed thing to have no props or supports, but to stand upright on the Rock of Ages, upheld by the Lord alone. Would any believers seek state endowments for their Church, if they remembered that the Lord is dishonored by their asking Caesar’s aid, as if the Lord could not supply the needs of His own cause?

Should we run so quickly to friends and relatives for help, if we remembered that the Lord is magnified by our complete reliance upon His solitary arm? My soul, wait thou only upon God. “But,” says one, “are not means to be used?” Certainly, they are; but our fault rarely lies in neglecting them. Much more often it arises from foolishly believing in them instead of believing in God. Few run too far in neglecting the creature’s arm, but very many sin greatly by making too much of it. Learn, dear reader, to glorify the Lord by leaving means untried, if by using them you would dishonor the name of the Lord.