Delivered From The Enemy Ezra 8:31-34 NKJV [31] Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. And the hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambush along the road. [32] So we came to Jerusalem, and stayed there three days. [33] Now on the fourth day the silver and the gold and the articles were weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest, and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; with them were the Levites, Jozabad the son of Jeshua and Noadiah the son of Binnui, [34] with the number and weight of everything. All the weight was written down at that time. The journey from Shushan to Jerusalem, which Ezra took, is described as a four-month-long trip. The travel must have been slow and arduous. The journey is explicitly described as dangerous due to the presence of bandits and potential ambushes. And there was no security and protection along the way, except for God. God is still able to protect His own. Imagine the relief of the Priests and Levites when they finally arrived, and were able to give accounts of the monies that were entrusted into their care. No one touched anything to buy groundnuts on the way. They knew this was God's money. Gods money is not the Pastors, the Elders or the Deacons money. It is meant to serve God. Notice that there were no accusations that some people changed the figures. This is a declaration of faithfulness on these Levites and the Priests. How do you think some contemporary ministers or leaders would have done? How would you have done if you were picked? May God find us faithful in handling the affairs of the kingdom and the calling of God. Good morning.