Ezra had the right lineage — a descendent of “Aaron the chief priest” (7:1-5). He had the right learning — a scribe “skilled in the Law of Moses” (7:6a). And, he had the right leaning — to “study the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach it” (7:10). Surely, that’s why he was so successful. That’s why a pagan king “granted him all he asked” (7:6b). That’s why he was able to make the trek from Babylon to Jerusalem without incident in just 5 months (7:9). The right lineage, the right learning, the right leaning . . . that’s why. Right?

Uh, maybe not.

. . . and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him.

. . . and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him.

Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the LORD that is in Jerusalem . . . for the hand of the LORD my God was on me.

(Ezra 7:6b, 9b, 27-28 ESV)

Wanna guess what I’m chewing on? Wanna take a stab at why?

For the hand of the LORD his God was on him . . . Thrice repeated. Duly noted.

Not to say that Ezra wasn’t capable. Not to say Ezra wasn’t courageous. Not to say Ezra wasn’t motivated. But at the end of the day, Ezra’s success was by the grace of God. For the good hand of his God was on him.

And when Ezra entered Jerusalem, when he had crossed the finish line, when he had delivered the goods (literally), what was his boast? Blessed be the LORD . . . for the hand of the LORD my God was on me.

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (2Corinthians 10:17 ESV)

I’m far from being an Ezra, but I have known a win or two along this pilgrim journey. Only by the good hand of God upon me. By the Father’s purposes for me. By the Son who goes with me. By the Spirit who lives in me.

Only by His grace. Only for His glory.