Ezra 7:10

New International Version (NIV)

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

For Meditation

1. As priests of God (1 Pt. 2:9), are we committed to the devotions of our office? How much appreciation do we give to such devotions, as Ezra demonstrated (Ezra 7:10)?
2. Following Ezra’s lead, can we devote ourselves to the study of God’s word (10a)? How can we intimately know Him without a firm commitment to the study of His word?
3. As Samuel told Saul, “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (Sam. 15:22). So, how committed are we to live in obedience of God’s word (Ezra 7:10b)?
4. Are we devoted to formally teach the word of God to His disciples (Matt. 28:20) and also through our lives as we should (Phil. 3:17)? As we are taught, is it not only noble to commit His word to others (2 Tim 2:20)?
5. Do you know that as we devote ourselves in these three disciplines of our faith, we grow spiritually than we could imagine? Shouldn’t that be our heart’s desire – to grow in our faith and mature into Christ-likeness? (Eph. 4:13)

I pray that the gracious hand of God that was upon Ezra and guided him in the study, living, and teaching of His word, will rest upon you.

So: May you grow to know Christ intimately in word, deed, and ministry; and may you live to reap abundant blessings in this world and beyond, in Jesus.

Shalom