A MAN OF GOD'S WORD

"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments." - Ezra 7:10

The spiritual intimacy of a person is often gauged by the time he or she spends in God's Word.  Certainly there is more to Christian living than reading the Bible, but it is difficult to image a person reaching any level of spiritual maturity without regular time spent in the pages of God's Word.

Ezra was a man of God's Word.  Our text teaches us about the spiritual depth of this Old Testament scribe.  He was more than just a dry, lifeless historical figure.  Instead, he was a man who sought the ways of God when it was unpopular to do so. 

Note three things about Ezra's approach to the Word of God.

1.  PREPARTION

First of all, the Bible states that Ezra, "... prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD."   It is good to prepare your mind, but it is better to prepare your heart.  The devil would like to convince ministers that preparing a good sermon is enough.  It isn't enough.  You must prepare your heart to bring the message.  The same is true for the Sunday School teacher, Bible school instructor, seminary professor or small group leader. 

Notice that Ezra sought the law of the LORD.  He didn't have 66 books of the Bible available like we do.  In spite of this, he used his time to diligently read and study the Scripture that was available to him. 

More than likely you have at least one Bible in your home.  Do you read it?  Whether you are in ministry or not, the best way to prepare for each day is to begin every day with time in God's Word.

2.  APPLICATION

Our text further teaches that Ezra sought the law of God, "... to do it."  Ezra studied God's Word so that he might practice what he read.

There are many people who have a textbook knowledge of the Bible but rarely, if ever, obey what it teaches.  Before you can lead others to obey the Scriptures, you need to be actively obeying the Bible yourself. 

Ezra obeyed the Word of God.  Do you?

3.  EDUCATION

Finally, we learn that Ezra obeyed the Word so that he would, "teach in Israel statutes and judgment."  Ezra shared what he learned with the people.  He didn't selfishly keep information to himself.  He taught others what he found in the law of God. 

Ezra was used of God, along with Nehemiah, to bring about spiritual revival and community revitalization in Jerusalem.  His influence was greatly due to his intimate knowledge of God's Word.

Ezra was a man of God's Word.  We need more men like Ezra today.  We need men to step up and be men of God's Word.  We need more women to rise up as women of the Word. 

Although most people will never occupy the pulpit on Sunday morning or teach a Bible study class, every Christian should be reading the Bible daily.  Read the Bible every day without fail. 

Be a man or woman of God's Word.