Why the Hand of God was on Ezra (and how it can be on you.)
"...for the gracious hand of God was on him. 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 7:9b-10
Whenever I read about a powerful man of God, I want to know how he became so powerful. Usually the scriptures give the answer, and thus an example for me to follow. Ezra is the example I'm focused on. An example of what to do for the hand of the LORD to be upon you. I see three devotions as conditions: Bible study, Bible observance, and Bible teaching.
BE DEVOTED TO BIBLE STUDY
Ezra dedicated and committed himself to studying scripture. He focused his mind on reading, memorizing, and deeply understanding God's written word. We of course can't understand or memorize before we read. And we can't even read if we aren't committed to the God who inspired the Bible. The test of commitment is our obedience, which leads to the second devotion.
BE DEVOTED TO BIBLE OBSERVANCE
This means meditation for the purpose of application. We keep God's written word in mind so that we're careful to do what it says. God promises us peace, stability, and success when we do this. He also promises effectiveness as witnesses of Jesus, as teachers of God's word.
BE DEVOTED TO TEACHING THE BIBLE
Whether you're a pastor, Sunday school teacher, or simply a believer, when we use scripture as our measure of truth and wisdom, having studied and observed it ourselves, our lives and words will have the Spirit's power. God's hand will be upon us.
Ezra 7:9b-10
Whenever I read about a powerful man of God, I want to know how he became so powerful. Usually the scriptures give the answer, and thus an example for me to follow. Ezra is the example I'm focused on. An example of what to do for the hand of the LORD to be upon you. I see three devotions as conditions: Bible study, Bible observance, and Bible teaching.
BE DEVOTED TO BIBLE STUDY
Ezra dedicated and committed himself to studying scripture. He focused his mind on reading, memorizing, and deeply understanding God's written word. We of course can't understand or memorize before we read. And we can't even read if we aren't committed to the God who inspired the Bible. The test of commitment is our obedience, which leads to the second devotion.
BE DEVOTED TO BIBLE OBSERVANCE
This means meditation for the purpose of application. We keep God's written word in mind so that we're careful to do what it says. God promises us peace, stability, and success when we do this. He also promises effectiveness as witnesses of Jesus, as teachers of God's word.
BE DEVOTED TO TEACHING THE BIBLE
Whether you're a pastor, Sunday school teacher, or simply a believer, when we use scripture as our measure of truth and wisdom, having studied and observed it ourselves, our lives and words will have the Spirit's power. God's hand will be upon us.
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