To Be Like Ezra

"...for the gracious hand of his God was on him. This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel." Ezra 7:9b-10

Ezra, his name means "help." Ezra was a priest, a scribe, AND a great leader of Israel. Don't know much about him? Then take the time to read the book of Ezra and peer into a life wholly dedicated to God. Not only did he write the book of Ezra, but is also credited with writing the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles. He also led a large group of Jews from Persia, where they had been exiled, back to Jerusalem. Ezra's return home occurred 58 years after Zerubbabel lead the first group of returning Jewish pilgrims back to Jerusalem. The first group of pilgrims began to rebuild the altar and the Temple until opposition arose from local inhabitants which halted the project.

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Ezra learns of the problems facing the Jewish people, the most serious of which is the intermarriage between God's chosen people and the pagan inhabitants. Ezra was deeply disturbed by the disobedience of the people. Upon hearing this, Ezra fell in humilty before God and prayed for the nation. His response set the Jewish people on a course for spiritual reform. His example and humble prayer of confession of the poeple's sins before God led to a NATIONWIDE revival! He was a model for the nation of Israel, a man whose example is still worthy of our following today.

Why was Ezra such a great leader? First of all, Ezra was a gifted Bible scholar and teacher. He was determined to move God's people forward. He taught the people through both his words and actions. He was committed to knowing God's Word and obeying it. He was driven to teach it to others so that all would know the wonderful God whom He loved and served. He knew his purpose.

In addition, Ezra knew what was most important in life. He wasn't driven by the desire for personal success. In fact, he was most likely not even keeping score of his achievements. Instead, he was driven by a deep personal commitment to live for God. Having a personal commitment to live for God is STILL what is most important in life. For it is only personal commitment to live for Christ that has lasting value - eternal value!

Ezra's success as a great leader and his achievements are wonderful examples of what God can do through someone. Because of Ezra's devotion, an entire nation of people returned to God. Though we may not be used to do as great of things as Ezra, we can still follow his example in living a life wholly dedicated to God. It starts with the devoted study of the Word, obeying it, believing it, and living it! Oh, to be like Ezra, that is my prayer!

In His Love, Cathy