Hear & Live by the Word of God
The first six chapters chronicle the
ministry of Zerubbabel in rebuilding
the temple. Now chapters 7-10
introduce a priest named Ezra whom
God uses to rebuild the spiritual
condition of the people. Ezra begins
his task 58 years after the events
of chapter 6. The people have a
house for God but not heart for God.
Ezra realises revival must begin with
a national return to the statutes of
God as contained in the Mosaic law.
Lord, we’ll Study & Live Your Word:
Ezra was a scribe, well versed in
the law of Moses, which the Lord…
had given to the people of Israel.
He came to Jerusalem from Babylon,
and the king gave him everything
he asked for, because the gracious
hand of the Lord his 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 7:6-10).
Lord, we’ll Serve Your kingdom:
Blessed be the Lord God… who
has put such a thing as this in the
king’s heart, to beautify the house
of the Lord which is in Jerusalem,
and has extended mercy to me
before the king and his counselors…
So I was encouraged as the hand
of the Lord my God was upon me;
and I gathered leading men of Israel
to go up with me (Ezra 7:27-28).
Lord, help us emulate Ezra to study
the Bible each day and then to live it.
Help us Lord not only to talk the talk
but also to walk the walk so that
others will be encouraged and
be challenged to walk with God.
Help us to devote ourselves to God
so we too will know the hand of God
at work in us and through us. Amen.
Lord, when faced with life challenges
we purpose to work diligently and
realise You oversee all our work.
Thank You Lord for Your help and
grateful for all successes and not
thinking we did it with own power.
Lord, You have gifted each of us
with “talents” so we can each make
a contribution to Your kingdom work.
May we not hinder Your kingdom
work by withholding back. Amen.
Lord, when the Israelites returned
to the land, they’re also returning to
the influence of God’s Word as Ezra’s
preaching of Scripture built them up
and spurred them to do God’s work.
We also need the encouragement of
God’s Word; for it’s the basis for our
faith and motivation to do God’s work.
Help us Lord not waver in commitment
to hear Your Word and to obey it.
For we purpose to study Your Word,
live it out & serve Your Kingdom. Amen