Subscription Lists

“And Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” (Ezra 7.8-10). The key phrase in today’s text – Ezra had prepared his heart – is connected to three objectives which Ezra had in mind as he was preparing his heart. These three things will be discussed in this connection for Today’s Little Lift.

Before going further, we need to understand that the word heart as used in this context does not refer to an internal organ of the human body; rather, it refers to the thinking, reasoning, and emotional seat of the human being. It also involves the will and the ability of mankind to resolve or purpose to do or not to do a particular deed. In short, the heart as used here has reference to the central mental processing faculty of man. That being said, we proceed to note Ezra’s purposeful actions!

First, Ezra prepared his heart to seek the Law of God. Learning God’s law should not be a happenstance occurrence. While a person might pickup a bit of biblical knowledge without a conscious effort to do so, a planned and systematic approach is the only way to be effective in this quest. With the tools available to us today, there is simply no excuse for anyone living in the civilized portions of the earth not to diligently seek God’s will even as Paul instructed Timothy to do when he wrote, “Be diligent [study; KJV) to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2.15).

Secondly, Ezra prepared his heart to do the Law of God. Ezra’s knowledge was intended to be practical and not just theoretical. There have been many who have known the Bible but have fallen far short when it came to obedience. Jesus pointed out the hypocrisy of those who knew the will of God but who would not do it; He was not easy on these folks! Jesus said concerning such reprobates, “Therefore whatever they [the Scribes and Pharisees] tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” (Matthew 23.3-4).

Finally, Ezra prepared his heart to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel. While it is true that we teach by almost everything we do, it is not the case that such “accidental” teaching is extremely effective or focused for that matter. Ezra planned to teach by example (that was the “doing” of what he learned), he also prepared himself to formally present the truth of God though his own words (whether spoken or written). In the formal sense of the word, Ezra prepared his heart so that he might be a teacher! Teaching and/or preaching is a great calling, but one which demands preparation. While it is possible for teaching to be done effectively without a formal education, it is impossible for it to be done effectively without preparation! Without a doubt, Ezra recognized this principle and that is what moved him to diligently apply his heart to the task of teaching God’s word!

When it comes to pleasing God, the Bible teaches that the heart is at the heart of the matter! Only when the heart is prepared can the result be effective and pleasing to God.

Questions:

1. What might Ezra have done to prepare his heart to seek, speak, and impart God’s word to others?

2. In what ways was Ezra wise in his approach to doing these tasks?

3. Why is proper preparation for service to God always demanded?

4. The Jews had a zeal for God, but it was not channeled by knowledge (see Romans 10.1-4). Can the same be true in today’s world? How dangerous is this thought?

"Word from Scotland" from Sandy Shaw

Experience and Understand the Significance of Pentecost