MEN - Help

The name Ezra is a Hebrew male name meaning “help/helper”. It is not uncommon for men to glory in their strength. “Male” is usually associated with strength, power, strong, etc. When in need for heavy lifting, one’s thought is first geared towards seeking help from a male or group of males. Physical strength is good and a gift from God. It is a blessing when used for the purpose given. This is very true in the life of Samson (Judges 14:6, 19; 15:14). When the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon Samson, he ripped the lion’s jaw with his bare hands. I call that “great physical strength”. Wouldn’t you? I encourage you read the book of Judges to learn more about Samson’s great gift of physical strength.

I believe Ezra being a male, was strong physically. And with a name like Ezra (help/helper), it will not be surprising that he did just what his name meant. This was even evident as he helped people understand the law of the LORD through his teachings (Nehemiah 8:13-17). A person who teaches others, especially the Word of God, is someone who knows that life is impossible without the help of/from God; is someone who is aware that physical strength fails at some point and there is a desperate need to depend on God’s help and is also someone who understands that it is possible to depend on God’s help because it is sure, guaranteed and ever-present. Amen!

As a friend, a father, a co-worker and you name it. Imagine how much relieve you will get when the people around you no longer come to you or depend on you for everything, rather seek help from the Helper Himself even as they see you do likewise. If they must come to you, or if you must go to them, it is such that you all look up to God for answers. Amen!

Ezra 8:21-23 (NIV)

There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.

I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

Emphasis Mine

Knowledge of the Word gives us the opportunity to live self-sufficient lives in Christ. Knowing that He is our ever present help, very dependable and will not fail us. Physical strength, although great, is very limiting. The God-kind of help has been made available to the male. This help/helper is the person of the Holy Spirit. Do you know Him?

In this day and age, we have the resources to learn more about His help and benefit from it. The bible describes the Holy Spirit as the Helper.

John 14:26 (NKJV)

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

Emphasis Mine

As a male, remember continually to challenge the people around you to seek help from the Helper Himself. By so doing, you are helping them keep their focus where it needs to be.  Amen!