6this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him... the gracious hand of his God was on him. 10For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. (Ezra 7)
Thoughts: The connection Ezra 7 is trying to make is between the blessing of God and the devoting of a man of God to the scriptures. Ezra was well-versed in the Law- not by magic- but by a regular, steady daily intake of the scripture- the law into his life.
Verse 10 says, "Ezra devoted himself." It was his passion, his goal to study and observe the Law. He didn't just seek to know it, but to practice it. Many today study the scripture as if it were a spiritual end in and of itself. But knowledge without practice means little and is empty, lending itself to pride. Knowledge indeed can puff up- to make you feel better than others. But Ezra set an example for the people- but more than that saw that practicing the Law was a way to also please God and walk on his narrow path.
But that is not the end. Ezra did not just know it and practice it- he also taught it. He passed his knowledge and practice on to others. If we know it, we should want to share what we know with others. These verses give us a great example of what to do with the scriptures- and that God's hand- His blessing is on those who devote themselves to God's Word.
Verse 10 says, "Ezra devoted himself." It was his passion, his goal to study and observe the Law. He didn't just seek to know it, but to practice it. Many today study the scripture as if it were a spiritual end in and of itself. But knowledge without practice means little and is empty, lending itself to pride. Knowledge indeed can puff up- to make you feel better than others. But Ezra set an example for the people- but more than that saw that practicing the Law was a way to also please God and walk on his narrow path.
But that is not the end. Ezra did not just know it and practice it- he also taught it. He passed his knowledge and practice on to others. If we know it, we should want to share what we know with others. These verses give us a great example of what to do with the scriptures- and that God's hand- His blessing is on those who devote themselves to God's Word.
Prayer: Lord, may my heart be focused on your word, and may my ears here your cry.
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