Devote Yourself to the Word

For Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the LORD, obey it, and teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel. –Ezra 7.10 (CSB)

Bus 57. That was our lifeline for transportation; it would take us from our home to just about anywhere we needed to go. While accurate, nobody told a young man from rural Louisiana that the direction of the bus also had bearing. With great confidence, I convinced my housemate after grocery shopping that we needed to back on the bus going in the same direction as the one we got off to get back home. Though confident about Bus 57, I was wrong about the route. What was supposed to be a 20-minute trip turned into a 2+ hour endeavor. I was ignorant and made a poor decision and what’s worse was that I was confident about it. I embodied the one liner: “I’m not always right, but I’m never in doubt!”. A little knowledge could have gone a long way.
 
This experience serves as a parable of sorts: Many are confident their course of action is correct, though it is not. I’m sure you have similar experiences in your own life and as you’ve observed others. Many today are confident of their decisions and plans while God looks on and mocks them (Prov. 3.34-35; Jms. 4.6). They believe they have one-upped God by denying him and worshipping the created. They believe they can legislate, educate, or buy their way into prosperity, peace, and order. Yet, God gives us a different plan.
 
Only through devoting ourselves to him are we able to find all that our hearts desire (Ps. 37.4). Only through him are we able to find life and life abundant (Jh. 10.10, 15.5). There is no other way than by devoting ourselves to our Creator.
 
That’s what we see in today’s verse: Ezra first “determined in his heart to study the law of the LORD.” Why? So he could be transformed by it. So many want to get through the Bible but are not concerned about the Bible getting through them. Had I recognized my ignorance about the bus lines, maybe I would not have been confidently wrong. 
 
Then, he determined to “obey it.” What good is it to know the commands of God if you never obey? Know this: The Word is always profitable (2 Tim. 3.16-17). So devote yourself to studying it and then obey it. God’s word makes the inexperienced wise (Ps. 19.7), so you won’t go wrong seeking to obey his commands.
 
Finally, Ezra determined to “teach its statues and ordinances to those in Israel.” King David echoed a similar desire in Psalm 51. After pleading for restoration, he determined to “teach the rebellious [God’s] ways” (v13). God does not teach us his commands for us to simply hold on to them and not share.
 
May we do as Ezra did and devote ourselves to the study of the Word as we seek to obey it and teach others.

For Reflection
In what ways are you devoting yourselves to studying God’s Word?
 
In what ways are you obeying God’s Word?
 
In what ways are you teaching others God’s Word?
 
Pray
Pray and ask God to make you a student of his Word so that you might share it with others.
 
Father, I thank you that your Word gives me everything I need for life and godliness. Help me to obey you in all things as I study your Word and share it with others.
 
For Consideration
“If you are a student of the Word, your doctrine will be sound.” –Rev. Bill Miller