Ezra 7:1-10

Think about the stories in which you live. They don't just describe us, they give us an explanation for our world and the way we respond to it.

At the end of chapter 6 we saw the Israelites meeting together in worship. It is a privilege do to so, but do remember that meeting with God is not dependant on a church building. Because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the church and temple are where we are living our lives of worship.

But the Israelites become placid. The story dries up! Enter Ezra, a prophet by lineage to Aaron the first chief priest. His story is that he is a priest. And this shapes how he responds to what he sees when he arrived in Jerusalem.

Ezra taught the word of God well. He was to be faithful to the word given. He wasn't to alter or embellish it but remain true. He had realised that something was missing from the people's worship. The Word was missing and worship without the Word cannot produce good spiritual health in God's people. He was to teach them to live with God's Word and worship at the centre of their life.

It is clear from the text that God is with Ezra. He is there for Him and supports him in the endeavour to revive the worship of Israel. It's mentioned twice that God had His hand on Ezra.

Ezra had a great response to the Word of God. He loved it, lived it, and passed it on. We study God's Word in order to get to know Him better.

Ezra devoted himself to the Word; He loved it so much. That commitment is not just for preachers and leaders. It is for all of us, and it's something that should be done alone and with others. We must also be people who publicly live what we read. It's a very high bar! Where are we coming up short in living our lives as lives of faith? See where the Spirit nudges us to notice gaps in our lives where we might not be living out our faith properly.

If we are doing those two things then we can be teaching and sharing the Word of God. Share with others in your church community what you are learning and being challenged on. Sharing stories tell the why of the universe we are in. The story of God and His kingdom is the story that explains the most about our universe. This is a story we should be sharing with everyone who listens.