“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 7:10)
On various websites as we view the contents of a book, magazine or even circulars, we will often find a little arrow in the upper right-hand corner that says “turn the page.”
When we really want to see the contents … we turn the page … and the next page. Why? The answer lies in our desire to see more … to look for a certain item on sale … to get an overview of a book, etc.
We all understand these things when it comes to the secular. How about when it comes to the Bible … the inspired and revealed word of God?
We have in the Bible the mind of God … the Scriptures … in written form and in language that all may understand and grasp its significance! We do not find human counsel but rather divine counsel.
This writer has lived long enough to have received just enough of man’s wisdom not to trust it. The fact is we all need truth. We need God’s ‘yes’ and God’s ‘no.’ God’s word is as absolute as it is timeless!
It would be the apostle Paul who commended the brethren who comprised the young congregation of God’s people in Thessalonica when he wrote, “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.”
Ezra is described in a most complimentary way in Ezra 7:10 and it is from this description we can draw strength and encouragement to read the right thing, do the right thing and be the right kind of person.
This type of character will not happen by accident! It will happen as the result of interest, perseverance and right attitude! The pattern of Ezra’s preparation is exemplary.
- Ezra had a personal commitment to study!
- Ezra had that same level of commitment to practice what he had learned!
- Ezra with this same level of commitment, was then willing and able to teach others!
So … the takeaway is this: we must want to keep turning the pages of God’s word because we are so hungry to hear and learn and do what our great God has revealed!
The true function of our mind … is not to stand in judgment on God’s word … but to sit humbly under it … eager to hear it, grasp it, apply it and obey it!
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
P.S. How are you doing on your daily Bible reading?
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