A New Year’s Example for the Church of Jesus Christ
Text: Ezra 7:10 (KJV) 10For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Ezra 7:10 (Amplified Bible) 10For Ezra had prepared and set his heart to seek the Law of the Lord [to inquire for it and of it, to require and yearn for it], and to do and teach in Israel its statutes and its ordinances.
Ezra 7:10 (NASB) 10For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.
Introduction:
As we approach another New Year in a few days, many of us will continue a tradition that we have followed for hundreds of years. I am referring to the practice of making New Year’s resolutions. I am not going to tell you that whether or not you make New Year’s resolutions will have a spiritual impact of some sort on your life. Yet, whether or not you decide to make New Year’s resolutions, there is a powerful example for us to follow in the Biblical Character of Ezra. Many of you may argue that Ezra was a man who lived in a different era of time than you and I. That is true. Ezra did live somewhat differently than you and I do today. Nevertheless, let me remind you of this scripture. 2nd Timothy 3:16, 17 (KJV) declares the following: “16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine , for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness : 17 that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2nd Timothy 3:16, 17 (Amplified Bible) reads, “16Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), 17So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Having said that let me bring you up to date on the times of Ezra and the context surrounding our text of Ezra 7:10.
The Book of Ezra is named for the book’s principle character. This scribe rejuvenated the Law of Moses as the basis for Jewish religious and social life during the period of restoration following the Babylonian exile. The Book of Ezra details the history of the Jews’ return from Babylon captivity. It continues the story that 2nd Chronicles left unfinished. The first half of the book (chaps. 1-6) concerns the expedition ordered by King Cyrus (538 B.C.) to rebuild the temple under Sheshbazzar of Judah. The book continues the theme of temple and priesthood that was begun in Chronicles (Ezra 3:1-6, 10-11; 6:16-22). The importance of the Levites and priests to the community is evidenced by the careful cataloging, detailing, and listing of those who returned from Babylonian captivity (2:36-54, 61-62). The Levites supervised the rebuilding of the temple and were reorganized in time to officiate at the first Passover celebration (3:8-9; 6:16-20)
Priests and Levites were a major concern of Ezra’s administration (chaps. 7-10). Ezra was careful to include them among those returning from exile (7:7, 13, 24; 8:15-20, 24-34). Their sinful intermarriage with Gentiles provoked Ezra’s reforms (9:1-2). They were placed under oath (10:5), and the guilty were noted (10:18-24).
Ezra’s theological focus is how God accomplishes His will through different human agents. God restored His people by moving the pagan ruler Cyrus to release Judah (1:1-2) and by inciting the Jewish people to volunteer (1:5). The Cyrus Cylinder inscription gives the Persian account of Cyprus’s decree. It explains that the Babylonian god Marduk called him to release the exiles to return to their homelands. The Hebrew version of this decree applied to the Jews (2nd Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4). Biblical writers interpreted the decree as the act of God (Isaiah 45:1-3) in fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy (Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:10). Cyrus and Darius even supplied necessary provisions for the temple (Ezra 1:7-11; 6:8-10). The Gentiles were perceived as coworkers in the building of the Jewish temple (6:22).
The LORD also was responsible for the success of Ezra’s expedition. Ezra was called and protected by the LORD’S “gracious hand” (7:9; 8:18, 22). God used the Persian government to enable Ezra to accomplish his task (7:27-28).
God accomplished His purposes through special spokespersons as well. The prophets Zechariah and Haggai delivered the message of God, which motivated the people to complete the temple (5:1-2; 6:14). Together pagan kings, godly leaders, common people, and prophets were the LORD’S hands and feet to do His building.
The book reflects the optimism of a restored Davidic throne, keeping the messianic hope alive. Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel, who returned from exile to lead Judah, were descendants of Judah’s king Jehoiachin, who had been taken captive to Babylon. (Compare 1:8; 1st Chronicles 3:18-19 [Sheshbazzar = Shenazzar?]; and 2nd Chronicles 36:9-10). The prophecies of Zechariah and Haggai during this period depicted the messianic age by idealizing Zerubbabel and Jeshua as the new David and high priest Zadok (Ezra 3:8; 5:1-2; 6:14; Zech 3:1-4:14; 6:9-15; Hag 2:6-9; 3:23).
The second half of the book (chaps. 7-10) concerns Ezra’s ministry, which began fifty-eight years (458 B.C.) after the completion of the temple (515 B.C.). In the latter half of the book, the emphasis shifts to the Law of Moses. Ezra was commissioned to teach and establish the customs of Jewish law (7:11, 14, 25-26). Ezra was a learned scribe devoted to the law (7:6, 10-12). He led the people in a spiritual awakening that resulted in a covenant renewal (10:3).
The book also expresses the responsibility for human sin. The people of Ezra’s day had sinned by intermarrying with the Gentile populace (9:1-2; 10:1-44). Ezra’s intercession (9:6-15) and the people’s weeping confession (10:1-2) led to a renewal of covenant commitment to the LORD (10:3). The community felt the responsibility of those who had sinned and collectively dealt with the guilty, including their leaders (10:16-24).
Antagonism toward those building the temple was commonplace and official avenues were used to stop the work (4:1-24; 5:3-6:12). However, the author showed that God’s help enabled them to finish the work under His watchful eye in spite of opposition (5:5).
The people of God as the remnant of Israel are important to the theology of the restoration period. They are the remnant that escaped the wrath of God (9:8, 15). Therefore their company, though small in number (chap. 2), was significant because they were “all Israel” (8:25) who were regathered as the “holy race” (9:2).
Now that we have an accurate understanding of the events of Ezra’s lifetime let us concentrate on our text of Ezra 7:10 and examine what the Holy Ghost has revealed to us concerning the character of Ezra. There are four concepts that are reflected in the character of Ezra that we should allow to serve as a mighty example to us as we are about to embark on a New Year.
I. Ezra’s “purpose” - "For Ezra had prepared his heart… (v. 10)"
A. Our life’s “purpose.”
1. To love God through worship.
a) Matthew 22:37, 38 (KJV) 37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the first and great commandment.
b) Matthew 22:37, 38 (NLT) 37Jesus replied, “`you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment.
(1) Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart—The meaning of this is, thou shalt love him with all thy faculties or powers. Thou shalt love him supremely, more than all other beings and things, and with all the ardor possible. To love him with all the heart is to fix the affections supremely on him, more strongly than on anything else, and to be willing to give up all that we hold dear at his command.
(2) With all thy soul—or, with all thy “life.” This means, to be willing to give up the life to him, and to devote it all to his service; to live to him, and to be willing to die at his command.
(3) With all thy mind—to submit the “intellect” to his will. To love his law and gospel more than we do the decisions of our own minds. To be willing to submit all our faculties to his teaching and guidance, and to devote to him all our intellectual attainments and all the results of our intellectual efforts.
(4) This the first and greatest commandment— It is the “first” and greatest of all; first, not in “order of time,” but of “importance; greatest” in dignity, in excellence, in extent, and duration. It is the fountain of all others. All beings are to be loved according to their excellence. As God is the most excellent and glorious of all beings, he is to be loved supremely. If he is loved aright, then our affections will be directed toward all created objects in a right manner.
2. To love the Family of God through fellowship.
a) John 13:34, 35 (KJV) 34A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
b) John 13:34, 35 (NLT) 34So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
(1) Jesus says that our Christ like love will show we are his disciples. Do people see petty bickering, jealousy, and division in your church? Alternatively, do they know you are Jesus’ followers by your love for one another?
(2) Love is more than simply warm feelings; it is an attitude that reveals itself in action. How can we love others as Jesus loves us? By helping when it’s not convenient, by giving when it hurts, by devoting energy to others’ welfare rather than our own, by absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back. This kind of loving is hard to do. That is why people notice when you do it and know you are empowered by a supernatural source.
c) 1st John 4:20, 21 (AMP) 20If anyone says, I love God, and hates (detests, abominates) his brother [in Christ], he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, Whom he has not seen. 21And this command (charge, order, injunction) we have from Him: that he who loves God shall love his brother [believer] also.
(1) It is easy to say we love God when that love does not cost us anything more than weekly attendance at religious services.
(2) However, the real test of our love for God is how we treat the people right in front of us—our family members and fellow believers.
(3) We cannot truly love God while neglecting to love those who are created in his image.
3. To become like Jesus through discipleship.
a) Colossians 2:6, 7 (AMP) 6As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. 7Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.
b) Colossians 2:6, 7 (NLT) 6And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. 7Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done.
(1) Receiving Christ as Lord of your life is the beginning of life with Christ.
(a) Nevertheless, you must continue to follow his leadership by being rooted, built up, and strengthened in the faith.
(b) Christ wants to guide you and help you with your daily problems.
(2) Paul uses the illustration of our being rooted in Christ.
(a) Just as plants draw nourishment from the soil through their roots, so we draw our life-giving strength from Christ.
(b) The more we draw our strength from him, the less we will be fooled by those who falsely claim to have life’s answers.
(c) If Christ is our strength, we will be free from human regulations.
4. To serve God by serving others through ministry.
a) Ephesians 2:10 (KJV) 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
b) Ephesians 2:10 (AMP) 10For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
c) Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) 10For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
(1) We become Christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part.
(a) However, out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness, and not merely to please ourselves.
(b) While no action or work we do can help us obtain salvation, God’s intention is that our salvation will result in acts of service.
(c) We are not saved merely for our own benefit but to serve Christ and build up the church.
(2) He has saved us that we may show forth the virtues of Him who called us from darkness into his marvelous light.
(a) For though we are not saved for our good works, yet we are saved that we may perform good works, to the glory of God and the benefit of man.
(3) We were not saved by our good works, but rather we have been recreated to do them.
d) 1st Peter 4:8-10 (AMP) 8Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]. 9Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith). [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ’s body.] And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him). 10As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God’s many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor].
e) 1st Peter 4:8-10 (NASB) 8Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10As each one has received a special gift; employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
f) 1st Peter 4:8-10 (NLT) 8Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. 10God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you.
(1) Some people, well aware of their abilities, believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please.
(2) Others feel that they have no special talents at all.
(3) Peter addresses both groups in these verses.
(4) Everyone has some gifts; find yours and use them.
(5) All our abilities should be used in serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment.
5. To share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the people around us through evangelism.
a) Acts 20:24 (KJV) 24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
b) Acts 20:24 (AMP) 24But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from [which was entrusted to me by] the Lord Jesus, faithfully to attest to the good news (Gospel) of God’s grace (His unmerited favor, spiritual blessing, and mercy).
c) Acts 20:24 (NLT) 24But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love.
(1) We often feel that life is a failure unless we are getting a lot out of it: recognition, fun, money, success.
(a) Nevertheless, Paul considered life worth nothing unless he used it for God’s work.
(b) What he put into life was far more important than what he got out.
(c) Which is more important to you—what you get out of life, or what you put into it?
(2) Single-mindedness is a quality needed by anyone who wishes to do God’s work.
(a) Paul was a single-minded person, and the most important goal of his life was to tell others about Christ.
2. Seek God’s Kingdom.
a. 1st Chronicles 28:9 (KJV) reads, “9And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” 1st Chronicles 28:9 (Amplified Bible) says, “9And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father [have personal knowledge of Him, be acquainted with, and understand Him; appreciate, heed, and cherish Him] and serve Him with a blameless heart and a willing mind. For the Lord searches all hearts and minds and understands all the wanderings of the thoughts. If you seek Him [inquiring for and of Him and requiring Him as your first and vital necessity] you will find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever!”
b. Matthew 6:33 (KJV) reads, “33but seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 (Amplified Bible) declares, “33But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”
3. Do God’s Will.
a. John 4:34 (KJV) reads, “34Jesus saith unto them, my meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work”. John 4:34 (Amplified Bible) says, “34Jesus said to them, My food (nourishment) is to do the will (pleasure) of Him who sent Me and to accomplish and completely finish His work.”
4. Finish the Divine task and completing the course joyfully.
a. Acts 20:24 (KJV) reads, “24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 (Amplified Bible) states, “24But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from [which was entrusted to me by] the Lord Jesus, faithfully to attest to the good news (Gospel) of God’s grace (His unmerited favor, spiritual blessing, and mercy).”
II. Ezra’s “pursuit ” - “…to seek the law of the LORD… (v. 10)"
A. Psalm 27:8 (KJV) says, “8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.” Psalm 27:8 (Amplified Bible) declares, “8You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word].”
B. Psalm 63:8 (KJV) reads, “8My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.”
C. Psalm 119:10 (KJV) says, “10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.” Psalm 119:10 (Amplified Bible) declares, “10With my whole heart have I sought You, inquiring for and of You and yearning for You; Oh, let me not wander or step aside [either in ignorance or willfully] from Your commandments.”
III. Ezra’s “practice” - "... and to do it… (v.10)"
A. Obedience
1. 1st Samuel 15:22 (KJV) reads, “22And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. 24And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.”
2. Revelation 22:12-15 (KJV) declares to us, “12 and, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 for without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” Revelation 22:12-15 (Amplified Bible) says, “12Behold, I am coming soon, and I shall bring My wages and rewards with Me, to repay and render to each one just what his own actions and his own work merit. 13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last (the Before all and the End of all). 14Blessed (happy and to be envied) are those who cleanse their garments, that they may have the authority and right to [approach] the tree of life and to enter through the gates into the city. 15[But] without are the dogs and those who practice sorceries (magic arts) and impurity [the lewd, adulterers] and the murderers and idolaters and everyone who loves and deals in falsehood (untruth, error, deception, cheating).”
IV. Ezra’s “proclamation”- "... and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. (v. 10)"
A. Make Disciples
1. Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV) states, “18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20 (Amplified Bible) declares, “18Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them] into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you [3] all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be).
Conclusion:
It is possible that we can accomplish more for the Kingdom of God in the coming year of 2004 than we ever have accomplished in our lifetime. If we will decide to walk in the purpose that God has planned for our lives; if we will decide to pursue these purposes; practice these purposes that we are pursuing through obedience; then and only then can we proclaim the Truth of the Gospel and thereby make disciples of all nations and see the Kingdom of God flourish, multiply, and grow.
