The Journey to Significance
The Journey to Significance
A Journey Worth Remembering
Have you ever had a journey to remember? Maybe it was to a meaningful destination, or maybe it stood out because of what went wrong — the trip where you got four flat tires, or the one when food poisoning struck right as the plane took off.
There was another kind of memorable journey not long ago. A flight was delayed for hours, then rerouted to another airport. People were tired, restless, and stuck on the plane in the middle of the night. But among the passengers was a jazz group, Koz and the Summer Horns. The flight attendant asked if they could do something to help — and they did.
They played right there on the plane, turning tension into joy. Everyone’s spirit changed. They simply did what they were gifted to do, and it transformed the atmosphere.
That’s what happens when we bring what God has given us into the situations He places us in.
Today’s passage in Ezra 7 tells the story of another journey — not one involving planes or saxophones, but a journey of faithfulness, obedience, and courage. It’s a journey to significance — not the kind built on self-importance, but one rooted in living a life of eternal impact.
1. Faithfulness Equips
Ezra 7 introduces us to Ezra himself — finally stepping into the story he’s been writing about. Verse 1 tells us this all happens “in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia.”
Decades have passed since the temple was rebuilt under Darius. Now, God raises up Ezra — a scribe, a priest, and an expert in the Law of Moses — to lead another wave of Israelites back to Jerusalem.
He’s not going alone. Verse 7 says that priests, Levites, singers, and temple servants all go with him. Verse 9 says, “the good hand of his God was on him.” That’s the true key to Ezra’s significance.
And why was God’s hand on him? Verse 10 tells us:
“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.”
Ezra didn’t pursue faithfulness to earn recognition. He simply wanted to know and live God’s Word. But that steady obedience became his preparation.
Faithfulness equips.
It’s easy to think we’ll get serious about growing spiritually once God calls us to something “big.” But faithfulness isn’t something you start later — it’s something you live now. God prepares us for significance long before we realize it.
If you’re walking in faithfulness today — serving quietly, learning, giving, praying — it’s not wasted. You’re being equipped for what’s next.
Don’t wait for the starring role to learn your lines. Grow where you are. Faithfulness equips.
2. Obedience Aligns
Verse 11 introduces a new character in the story — King Artaxerxes. He writes a letter authorizing Ezra’s journey and supporting his mission.
This is remarkable. The pagan king not only gives Ezra permission to go — he funds the journey, provides silver and gold for sacrifices, and commands the treasurers “Beyond the River” to give Ezra whatever he needs.
The king’s motives aren’t purely spiritual. Verse 23 reveals that he wants to avoid God’s wrath:
“Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be done in full… lest His wrath be against the realm of the king and his sons.”
Even so, God uses this self-serving ruler to accomplish His divine purpose. Ezra’s obedience to God positioned him for this moment of influence.
Verse 25 shows the result:
“And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges… and those who do not know [the law], you shall teach.”
Ezra’s obedience aligned him with God’s plan — and opened doors of authority, leadership, and ministry he could never have created on his own.
Obedience aligns.
When you consistently obey God in the small things, you’ll find yourself aligned for the big things. Obedience lived in the shadows prepares you to stand in the light. It’s not weakness — it’s strength under direction.
3. Courage Propels
Finally, Ezra’s journey shows that courage propels.
After receiving the king’s letter, Ezra praises God:
“Blessed be the Lord… who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king… I took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was on me.” (Ezra 7:27–28)
Ezra recognizes that God has orchestrated everything — even the heart of a pagan king — for His purpose. That realization fills him with courage.
Courage isn’t self-confidence. It’s God-confidence — the assurance that He will meet you in the middle of the journey.
Ezra’s courage didn’t appear out of nowhere. It grew from years of faithfulness and obedience. He had filled his life with God’s truth, and when the moment came, courage was ready to rise.
The same is true for us. The courage to step forward doesn’t come from trying harder in the moment. It comes from being filled and faithful long before the moment arrives.
When you live in faithfulness and obedience, courage is simply the next step forward.
Living the Journey to Significance
Ezra didn’t chase significance — it found him.
He studied, lived, and taught God’s Word in the quiet places, and when the opportunity came, God propelled him into greater purpose.
Significance isn’t about climbing higher; it’s about trusting deeper. It’s not about being impressive; it’s about being available.
So where is God calling you to be faithful right now? It might be unseen. It might be quiet. But that faithfulness is what equips, aligns, and propels you into the journey of significance God has prepared for you.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Ezra
Sermon Title: The Journey to Significance
Date: Nov 9, 2025
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Ezra 7:1–28
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