Why Was a Platform Built For You?
Allow me to build my case for this post by starting with the following scripture:
So Ezra, the scribe, stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose. Nehemiah 8:4 (NKJV)
I want to draw your attention to the word PLATFORM in that scripture. The definition of “platform” as it pertains to this verse is a raised structure that has a flat surface where people or machines do work. (Merriam-Webster)
For many years the work that went on at “Mars Platform” out in the Gulf of Mexico where my husband worked, was my bread and water. Even though he is now retired, it is still mine, as well as your bread and butter also.
You see, Mars Platform belongs to Shell Oil Company. This platform was built in the ocean especially for men and women to live on while they worked. The purpose workers being on the platform is to drill for oil. Without the platform in the ocean, and the workers fulfilling their work purpose, you and I would not have electricity, a car to drive or hundreds of other things that make our life as comfortable as it is.
Since the word “platform” had been a common word at my house for years, perhaps that is why it caught my attention as I was reading about Ezra. I was curious as to why a platform was built especially for him.
Let’s look at the time period in which this platform was built. The Babylonian captivity was over and the Jews were coming back together as a people and establishing their natural heritage in Jerusalem. However, they had a big problem: the walls were down surrounding Jerusalem, which, of course, meant they could not be unified as a people, nor did they have protection from their surrounding enemies.
Nehemiah felt called by God to rebuild those broken down walls that had lain in ruins for years. He accomplished this feat in 52 days. But, I was struck by the assignment Nehemiah gave to Ezra to perform on the platform that the workers made especially for him.
Are you ready for this?
He read it (The Law) aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. (Nehemiah 8:3 NIV)
Why was Ezra the one Nehemiah chose to do this?
History scholars tell us that Nehemiah let Ezra take the lead in the reestablishment of the Law of the covenant because Ezra had spent his whole life coping and studying the Law and knew it better than any living man. He worked to establish the Law in the hearts of the people to keep out sin and disobedience.
Nehemiah was a builder and an administrator, but Ezra is credited with shaping the returned exiles into the word of God.
Now, please allow me to make a few points from Ezra’s life for women who desire to fulfill their dreams.
· A platform has been built especially for you to stand on. The name of that platform is called The Rock of Jesus Christ.
· The purpose for which you stand on it is to use the gifts He has equipped you with to pursue those dreams you were created and designed to fulfill.
· Nobody else can stand on the same platform and fulfill the purpose for which God has created you to fulfill. Nobody else can do what has been specifically delegated to you when you were formed in your Mother’s womb.
It is food for thought, isn’t it?
Reflection Questions:
Why was a platform built especially for you? Think about your purpose. Can you name it specifically?
Is there anything keeping you from standing on your platform to fulfill your purpose?
If so, how can you rise above those obstacles?