Ezra

EZRA

Theme: Ezra was a devoted student of God’s word and as a result he became a teacher of God’s truth which restored a nation to a right relationship with God.

Introduction:

The return to Jerusalem was made possible by Cyrus’ decree. The Prophecies by Isaiah 44: 28-45:3 and Jeremiah 29:10 were divinely fulfilled in Cyrus, by means of this Persian monarch’s decree. (vs. 2-4)

What we need to look for in Ezra is God’s message. "Ezra reveals God as the power behind earthly events, moving even pagan kings according to His purposes.”

Key verses:

Ezra 1:1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing:

Ezra 6:22 For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.

Ezra 7: 6 this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him.

Ezra 7:27 Praise be to the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put it into the king’s heart to bring honor to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way

T.S. Let’s look at this priest of God, Ezra, and see a man of God who held up the standard of God’s holiness and earned himself the reputation of having God’s hand on him..

I. EZRA’S REPUTATION REVEALS A MAN WHO THIRSTED AFTER GOD’S holiness and insights and then he communicated it effectively to others.

A. The writer, or should I say compiler of Ezra makes distinct statements which paints for us Ezra’s reputation of having God’s hand on him.

Ezra 7:6 "This Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the god of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked for, the hand of the Lord, His God, was on him."

1. Ezra’s reputation – was God’s Hand was on him! You might be thinking, “How did Ezra get to the point where he earned the reputation of having God’s hand on him??

a. That is a good question and we will explore how he earned his reputation.

2. We learn from the text we just read, that Ezra was a teacher who was well studied and diligent in knowing God’s teachings.

i. Ezra’s reputation was one of being known as a studious student of God’s law and because of his studious mindset God’s hand was on him.

1. We are reminded of how important it is to be studious of God’s word in II Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

2. Note: “The best teacher is one who is always a student and always learning."

Illustration:

Hendrick’s "Learning" Professor

Dr. Howard Hendricks tells of a professor who made an impact on his life. He passed his home many times, early in the morning and late at night, and often saw him pouring over his books. One day, Hendircks asked him, "Doctor, I’d like to know, what is it that keeps you studying? You never cease to learn."

His answer: "Son, I would rather have my students drink from a running stream than from a stagnant pool."

- Christian Teacher

Bruce Wilkinson shared about a professor who made an impact on his life. He states,” The first time I heard him teach, I said to myself “ I want to study under that man.”

His name was Howard Hendricks, and I entered seminary to learn everything I could from this master teacher. I wanted to learn not only what he taught but also how he taught. During those four years of graduate study, I listened to him for more than 350 hours and always left his class instructed, challenged, and a step closer to God. By the time I was a senior, I began to wonder if ‘Prof.’ Even understood the word boring” (23, 7 Laws of the Learner).

Note: Excerpt on how Dr Hendricks felt it was the responsibility of the teacher to teach people to learn not the students. See page 23,24.

Ezra 7:10

10 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.