Ezra 7:9-10 - He had begun his journey from Babylon on the
first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of
the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and
observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees
and laws in Israel.
The direct descendant of Aaron…Ezra had lived in Babylon for
many years with the other captives that had been taken there. Rising to great
favor with the king…he was commissioned to bring the second group of Israelites
back to Jerusalem. The letter that
commissioned him spoke of his great knowledge….ability to lead …and teach. The king sent money…animals for sacrifice…and
even lifted the heavy taxes form the Jews living in Jerusalem.
Ezra had somehow remained faithful to God…and spent many
hours studying and teaching the laws of God that he had given to Moses on Mount
Sinai. His devotion to God was rewarded with a covering of protection that
helped him make the long trip back to Jerusalem in just 4 months. Ezra praised
God…and gave him all the credit for the many blessings on his life…and the
lives of all the people that had returned to Jerusalem.
What a great reminder that we should determine in our hearts
to study God’s great word. AND….that study alone is not good enough for someone
who has dedicated ALL their heart to God’s will in their life. The first passion
of anyone who has truly soaked God’s wisdom into their soul will be to share
and teach it to others. Ezra is a model
to me of how my study of the Bible should never be a simple routine of reading….but
a deep desire to use its words to understand his will in my life…and a compassion
that drives me to share it with others.
Paul said it best when he was writing the great words of
encouragement to his close friend and student in 2 Timothy 3:14-17…. “But as
for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing
from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with
the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through
faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for
teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that
the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
Father…thank you for your word…your great wisdom and laws
for living…that you allowed to be penned by Godly men and collected by others
who you had commissioned to compile it into one Book called the Bible. Help me to light a fire of devotion n my
heart to study it…and soak up the wisdom you have placed there to help me know
your will. Give me the ability to share its
words with others…so that they can come to understand the plan you have for them
as well. Amen.
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