How Do We Have A Prepared Heart That Leads To Honored Praise?

Ezra was one of three key leaders during the return of the Jewish nation from Babylonian captivity. Zerubbabel was the first to encourage the rebuilding of the Temple. Nehemiah was involved with the rebuilding of the walls. And Ezra was key to restoring the people to worship God. Chapters one - six describe the first return and the rebuilding of the temple. Chapters seven - ten contain Ezra’s return to Jerusalem, his ministry, and the confrontation of the people.

Eighty years after the principal exiles got back to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:1), Ezra himself had the option to return. This was his first outing, and it took four months. The Temple had been erected for around 58 years. As of yet in the account, Ezra had stayed in Babylon. Presumably, he was gathering a record of the occasions that had occurred.

For what reason did he need to inquire as to whether he could return? Ezra needed to lead numerous Jews back to Jerusalem, and he really wanted an announcement from the lord expressing that any Jews who needed to return could do as such. This declaration would resemble an official government document, like a passport, on the off chance that they would run into resistance in route. The lord's liberal announcement showed that God was favoring (Ezra 7:6, 28). It likewise showed that Ezra presumably held a distinguished position in Artaxerxes' realm. It is apparent that Ezra had and gave up that role to return to Jerusalem to teach God’s laws to the Israelites. His action shows us how God’s people can be put into action by a Bible teacher (Ezra 7:10; Nehemiah 8:9). He was well educated in the laws of God, and he made it a goal to obey those laws, which in turn made him an effective teacher. Not only was his speaking effective but his actions as well. We should strive to study and obey God’s Word as Ezra did.

In Ezra's praise, he recognizes that no one but God can turn the king’s heart (Proverbs 21:1). At the point when we face life's difficulties, we too should work with tireless and remarkable exertion. We should understand that God directs the entirety of our work. We really should look to perceive his hand in our prosperity and make sure to thank him for his assistance, guidance, and for his protection.

Ezra commended God for all that he had accomplished for himself and through him. Ezra had regarded God all through his life, and God decided to honor him. Ezra might have expected that his own significance and charm had prevailed upon the ruler and his sovereigns, however he gave the credit to God. We also ought to be appreciative to God for our prosperity and decline to feel that what we have accomplished, that it was not through our own power.

Three things happened before Ezra’s mission began. He dedicated himself to the study of God’s Word. He applied it to his life and obeyed God’s commands on a personal level. And he had committed himself to teaching others.

We can see that Ezra had prayed for guidance and he followed through with his action. Ezra was effective due to his time spent studying and teaching. Most importantly, he lived as an example. In other words, Ezra lived what he preached. He gave praise to God for what God had done for him and through him. Ezra had honored God with his life, and thereby God honored him.

Looking back at verse ten, we see Ezra had prepared his heart to seek God’s law, and to do it and teach it to others.

What hinders our lives from being like Ezra? Have we truly prepared ourselves for the service of the Lord? Have we sought God’s guidance in what He wants us to be doing? Are we doing and living as the Lord requires us to? Have we been teaching others about Christ and how to prepare for his returning?