God’s Gracious Hand
“…the good hand of his God was upon him. For Ezra had set his heart to
study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and
ordinances in Israel.”–Ezra 7:9b-10 (NAS)
Several times in the book of Ezra we read that God’s gracious
hand was firmly upon Ezra.God’s hand is credited with blessing,
strengthening, protecting, and guiding him (7:6, 9, 25, 28; 8:18,
22, 31). Today’s verse reveals precious insight into why this
preeminent scribe and priest enjoyed such tremendous
provision and success.
“For Ezra had set his heart”—To begin, Ezra’s whole life and
ministry revolved around a resolute commitment to theWord of
God. He did not treat Scripture lightly, but esteemed it enough
to focus His full energies upon it. The three objects of this
commitment follow.
“…to study the law of the LORD”—Zeal must be grounded in
truth (cf. Rom10:2). Ezra’s certainly was.He focused his resolute
commitment on real comprehension of the Word. Ezra’s
mastery of the meaning and implications of Scripture required
diligent effort that was energized by his compulsion to know
God and His will as revealed in His Word.
“…and to practice it”—Knowledge alone is inadequate. People
merely “deceive themselves” when they know God’s Word but
don’t allow it to change them (Jas 1:22). Ezra, however,
demonstrated radical conformity to theWord (cf. Rom12:1-2).
And like him, the one who learns and lives truth “will be blessed
in what he does” (Jas 1:25).
“…and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel”—those
who know and grow in the Word can’t stop there. Instead, like
Ezra (see Neh 8), they also need to commit to relational
communication of the Word to others (e.g., Deut 6:4-9; Matt
28:19-20; Eph 4:15; Col 3:16; 2 Tim 2:2; Heb 5:12). Don’t be
content with just your own growth. Pass it on, so that “we all
reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God
and become mature…” (Eph 4:13).
As we live out a commitment to hear, heed, and herald God’s
Word, we can expect His powerful hand to bless us in His
marvelous way and timing (cf.Matt 27:24-27; Rev 1:3)!
For Discussion:Which of Ezra’s three commitments do youmost need to“set
your heart” toward right now? What practical steps can people take to
advance in living out each of the three areas? What opportunities are
available at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church to help?
