Contemplative Bible Reading

Ezra 7:18 (New International Version)

You and your brother Jews may then do whatever seems best with the rest of the silver and gold, in accordance with the will of your God.

These are the words that Artaxerxes the King wrote to Ezra. Artaxerxes is sending treasures with Ezra back to Jerusalem to help rebuild the wall and the Temple. In verse 17, Artaxerxes instructs Ezra,

With this money be sure to buy bulls, rams and male lambs, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings, and sacrifice them on the altar of the temple of your God in Jerusalem.

Take care of the Temple, and whatever is left, do what seems best per the will of God.

This strikes me as what God encourages us to do today. He gives us treasure – plenty of treasure – for our lives. Then, what is left after our needs are met, we are free to do with what we see best per the will of God. God trusts us with deciding what to do with the remainder. God is generous. He gives us plenty and then gives us the authority to decide what to do with the plenty.

God, thank you for all these gifts. Grant me also wisdom to know your will and use the rest accordingly.