STUDY AND OBEY
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.
Ezra 7:10
After 70 years in exile, the captives from Judah returned to their homeland where they rebuilt the temple according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia (Extra 6:14). It was a time of building and prosperity under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah (Ezra 6:14). The people of Israel – the priests, the Levities and rest of the exiles – celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy (Ezra 6:16).
Fifty-seven years later when Ezra returned to the land with a second group of exiles (Ezra 7:8), he discovered a solid temple, but a shambled people. They knew God’s Word, but failed to obey it. They compromised and conformed to the world by intermarrying neighboring peoples with their detestable practices (Ezra 9:1). The leaders and officials who should’ve been teaching them the Word of God led the way in this unfaithfulness (Ezra 9:2).
Ezra was a priest, a scribe, and a great leader who knew the Word and obeyed it. Through his humble and obedient leadership, he helped lead the people back to God. He has much to teach as we seek to be humble leaders that feed the fire among a people that have conformed to the pattern of this world (Romans 12:2).
Know the Word. Ezra was well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given (Ezra 7:6). He devoted himself to the study . . . of the Law of the LORD (Ezra 7:10). He not only had the law of God in his hand (Ezra 7:14) it was in his heart. When he heard of their intermarriage, his knowledge of Scripture made him immediately conscious of sin (Romans 3:20, Ezra 9:6). Are we well versed in the Word? When we waste time at work, gossip, judge the person sitting at the end of the pew, and miss opportunities to do good to all people, are we immediately conscious of our sin?
Obey the Word. Ezra devoted himself to the observance of the Law of the LORD (Ezra 7:10). He didn’t just know it; he obeyed it and through his example led others to do the same. When he heard of their intermarriage and compromise with the culture around them, he prayed, fasted, confessed, and wept. He threw himself down before the house of God and a large crowd of Israelites followed suit. They wept bitterly, confessed their unfaithfulness to God, and renewed a covenant with Him. All of it was done according to the Law (Ezra 10:1-4). Do we obey the Word in such a way that others desire to repent and return to God? As His disciple makers do we practice what we preach, and teach others to obey Jesus’ commands (Matthew 28:20)?
PASSION Step: Study and obey. Like Ezra, your leadership and example is needed in today’s compromised world.
Revival comes when God’s people heed God’s Word and do what God tells them to do.
Warren W. Wiersbe
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