‘This Ezra was a scribe who was well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given to the people of Israel. He came up to Jerusalem from Babylon, and the king gave him everything he asked for, because 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 7:6, 10 NLT
Ezra Chapter 7 introduced us to who Ezra was and what characterised his life. Ezra Chapter 7 introduces us to Ezra and highlights the characteristics that define his life. His genealogy traces back to some biblical figures who upheld the Holiness of God. Notably, one of them was Phinehas, who passionately opposed the immorality of Israel. He was the one whose actions appeased the anger of God towards Israel. Ezra came from the lineage of the priests of God. Basically, we could trace him to Aaron, the priest.
However, the amazing thing about Ezra is that he didn’t just come from a lineage of spiritual men. He was a man of God himself. We see in verse 6 that the term ‘this Ezra’ was used. It was as if to make sure that there was no mistake in the identity of who was being talked about. It is possible there were many Ezras in his day, however, the scripture was specific in identifying this Ezra from the rest.
He was a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses. Also, this Ezra was a man who knew the things of God. He had read and he understood the dictates of God. He was a man who was a custodian of the instructions of God. Albeit, we see that he was a man who had the hand of God upon him. He was a man that was led by the spirit of God. He was not just among godly men, we can differentiate him from others.
Moreover, Ezra prepared his heart to seek the Law of God. He didn’t just seek to know the law, he did it. He was a doer of the word of God. His zeal pushed him to do the word of the Lord. It burned in him so much that he taught it to others. Furthermore, after he had sought the law of the Lord, he did them and he taught people. This was who Ezra was. This was the kind of life he chose.
So, what will you choose from this day? Will you make up your mind to seek the Lord, to seek His ways? Will you commit to the words of Jesus and to teach it to others around you? Thus, seek first the kingdom of God. Seek to know Jesus. Likewise, decide to be a doer of the word of God. Do not hoard the things you learn.
