A Ready Scribe
Today's Verse:
This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him. ~Ezra 7:6
Our devotion this morning is centered on a very special man. He figures very prominently in the history of the nation of Judah and the resettlement of the people of God back into Jerusalem. This man is unblemished in character, commission, and commitment. This man is considered a revivalist, a reformer, and a restorer. He is the kind of man who is a model for pastors. He is the kind of man who is a model for fathers. He is a model for every man. Would you consider with me Ezra, the ready scribe?
We see Ezra and his heritage.
The book of Ezra is named after him. It is the fascinating record of how God brought back His people to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem after more than 70 years of absence. Ezra is first mentioned in connection with the house of God after it has been rebuilt. In Ezra 7:1-5, we have the ancestry, or heritage, of Ezra recorded for us. Ezra came from a rich line of high priests who could trace their roots back to Aaron. Every name mentioned in his ancestry are names that contained a rich meaning concerning the influence of God in their lives. It is important that we set forth a goodly heritage. It is important that we have a vision of God being preeminent in our generation and the generations following us. Let’s promote a godly heritage!
We see Ezra and his handicraft.
Ezra is referred to as "a ready scribe in the law of Moses." A scribe is one who is trained in the Scriptures. Ezra was exceptional in his handicraft. He was experienced in his handicraft. He was an expert in his handicraft. As a ready scribe, he was a man completely committed to knowing, studying, and preaching God’s Word. There were other scribes during his day. However, Ezra stands out prominently as a ready scribe. He had given his life to the preaching, promotion, and prospering of the Word of God in the lives of others. This reminds me of 2 Timothy 2:15 where we are reminded, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Let’s promote a love for the Word of God!
We see Ezra and his honesty.
Ezra was a man of absolute integrity. He was trusted by his kindred. He was trusted by the king. He was trusted by the congregation. Large sums of money were entrusted to his care and stewardship for the sacrifices in the house of God. He was trusted with much manpower for the work of God. He was trusted in his judgment and his execution. Men who can be trusted have determined to be transparent and above reproach. He was trusted in his expertise and in his execution of his responsibilities. Let’s promote a life of complete honesty and integrity!
We see Ezra and his help.
What stands out about Ezra is the fact that we repeatedly read where the good hand of God was upon him. Ezra’s secret was the tremendous help that he had throughout his ministry career. God’s hand was upon him. His very name means “help.” The names of some of his ancestors mean “Jehovah is my Helper.” He was a man with God’s power. He was a man with God’s preference. He lived his life so that God could fully use him. Any significance we see in Ezra can be ascribed to one unchangeable factor: God’s hand was on his life.
God needs ready scribes. He needs men just like Ezra who can serve their generation and leave a positive impact through their influence.
Have a ready God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Judges 3-5