In what ways can we apply Ezra's dedication to God's law in our lives? Ezra’s Example: A Man Identified by the Word “Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, a scribe of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings.” (Ezra 7:12) The Persian emperor doesn’t call Ezra by political titles or family heritage; he labels him “a scribe of the Law of the God of heaven.” Ezra’s life was so saturated with Scripture that even a pagan monarch recognized it. That recognition sets a pattern for believers today. What Ezra’s Dedication Looked Like (See Ezra 7:10 for the fuller description.) • He studied God’s law—deep, intentional learning. • He practiced what he learned—personal obedience. • He taught others—passing truth along. When these three strands are woven together, a life becomes unmistakably marked by God’s Word. Ways We Can Mirror Ezra’s Commitment 1. Give Scripture the first and best part of the day. ‑ Psalm 119:147: “I rise before dawn and cry for help; I put my hope in Your word.” 2. Read with the goal of understanding, not skimming. ‑ 2 Timothy 2:15: “Present yourself to God as one approved… rightly handling the word of truth.” 3. Align choices with what you read. ‑ James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” 4. Let others see the Word at work in you. ‑ Matthew 5:16: a living testimony draws attention to the Father. 5. Share Scripture naturally in conversation. ‑ Deuteronomy 6:6-7: talk of it “when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road.” Practices That Keep the Word Central • Memorize key passages—hide them in your heart (Psalm 119:11). • Keep a journal of insights and applications. • Join or start a small study group: iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). • Pray before and after reading, asking the Spirit to illuminate and empower (John 16:13). • Use Scripture to shape family life—read aloud at meals, discuss during drives. Promises God Attaches to Obedience • Stability and fruitfulness (Psalm 1:1-3). • Success in God’s eyes (Joshua 1:8). • Thorough equipment for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Living as “Scribes of the Law of the God of Heaven” When our identity becomes inseparable from God’s Word—studying it, living it, and sharing it—people around us will see what Artaxerxes saw in Ezra. Scripture moves from ink on a page to a testimony written on our lives, and God receives the glory. |
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