Ezra descended from the lineage of Hilkiah, the high priest (Ezra 7:1). However, Ezra was not able to serve in such a capacity himself during the time of captivity. Still, he gave his time in study of the Scriptures (Ezra 7:6).Ezra became one of Israel's great restoration leaders. He led the reconstruction of the temple as well as the effort to restore the religious life and institutions of the people. Ezra was very successful in accomplishing these tasks. The following statement is most revealing as we consider the source of his success:
For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.
Ezra 7:10, ESV
Notice Ezra's focus in these three areas:
- He set his heart on the study of the Scriptures
- He set his heart on the doing of the Scriptures
- He set his heart on the teaching of the Scriptures
In can neither do nor teach something with which I am unfamiliar. Personally speaking, I cannot repair a radiator on a car, nor could I teach anyone else how to do so. Why? Simply because I have not applied my mind to study the discipline of auto mechanics.
God requires study of his word for the purpose of our own obedience as well as the transmission of his divine truths from one man to another, from one generation to the next.
Your success and mine is a direct result of how well we know the Bible.
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