One of the most incredible moments in a Christian’s life is when they realize that the words of God are available to them and that they are able to be understood. With such an immensely precious possession as the Bible, it can be overwhelming to think of what we should do with it. Because, if God entrusted the gift of His word to us, then we have an obligation to use it.
When Ezra received his mission to bring the Jews back to Jerusalem, he was met with this same conundrum. Ezra was a priest and scribe that lived during the Babylonian Captivity. When Persia came to power, their king sent the Jews back to their homeland as Jeremiah prophesied (cf. 2 Chron. 36:23; Ezra 6:3-12).
As Ezra led the people home, he left with a purpose in his heart concerning God’s Word. In chapter 7, verse 10, we read, “For Ezra had purposed in his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” Ezra’s treatment of the Old Testament shows us how we must handle the complete Word of God in the Bible.
First, we must study the law. The word translated “seek” in verse 7 means “to care for, inquire about, or investigate.” Ezra had a great responsibility to not only restore the Jews to Jerusalem, but to restore according to God’s Word. He could not have possibly accomplished this task if he did not give the Word the proper time to understand it. Christians cannot rely completely on the knowledge of others. They must study to show themselves approved (2 Tim. 2:15) and find out whether these things being preached are so (Acts 17:11).
Second, we must do the law. Looking back at Ezra 7, note that Ezra prepared his heart for his task. So, before he began his studies, he already decided that he would follow it. Very often people will take great pains to read their Bible and memorize verses but only intend on following the things they agree with. Christians must decide to obey all of God’s statutes. Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
Third, we must teach the law. Ezra knew that his study of the law would do no one any good if he didn’t educate others in it. Souls are thirsting for the teaching of God’s Word. Like the Ethiopian eunuch, there are those hoping someone would guide them so they can know God (Acts 8:31).
The Bible is a precious gift. We must use it well. Like Ezra, we have our own mission regarding God’s Word given to us by the King of Kings. If we want to please our King, then we must prepare our hearts to study the Bible, do what the Bible says, and look for opportunities to teach the Bible to others.