Ezra 6:4

And let the expenses be given out of the king’s house.

A believer’s expenses

I. What are our expenses? The expenses referred to in the text are those connected with the return of the Jews to their own land, the rebuilding of the temple and its continual sacrifices.

1. Our release from the thraldom of sin involved enormous expenditure (1 Peter 1:18).

2. The important steps of public profession of faith in Christ, and of union with His Church, need peculiar supplies of grace.

3. There is much new material to be built up in our habits and life.

4. Our bodies being temples of the Holy Ghost, every physical power and every mental faculty should be “a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the Master’s use.”

5. Our hearts are altars whereon should be offered the sacrifices of worship and praise.

II. Where shall we find means to meet these expenses?

1. The Word of God’s truth.

2. The throne of His grace.

3. The fellowship of His people.

4. The dispensation of His providence.

5. The opposition of His foes.

The Persian monarch was naturally Israel’s enemy, yet God arranges that he shall pay Israel’s expenses. Even the lions we may meet shall supply sweet honey for our nourishment and refreshment.

6. The work of Christ (Philippians 4:19).

III. How shall we act in the presence of such abundance?

1. We need not be afraid of exhausting Heaven’s treasures.

2. We dare not be slow in availing ourselves of these supplies.

3. We cannot help wondering at the goodness of the King.

4. We will not forget to express our gratitude to the King.

5. We must not be so selfish as to hide these glad tidings. (R. S. Latimer.)