Radical Obedience
Radical Obedience
Ezra 6-10
"For 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." (7:10)
It is easy to give verbal agreement to the Bible, but it is much harder to allow the Bible to determine how we live and how we respond to every circumstance, even when it is costly. In 7:10, we see the attitude and heart of Ezra. Ezra was a scribe (7:6). Scribes were individuals who studied and copied the law. Because they devoted themselves to making copies of the law, they worked closely with the Priests in teaching the people the law of God.
In 7:10, we see the role and ministry of Ezra. First, he set his heart to study the law of the Lord. In other words, he devoted himself to studying the law. The word "devoted" conveys the idea of being prepared and ready. The first step in reading the Bible is to prepare the heart to respond in obedience and surrender to its teachings. Too often, we read the Bible without first preparing our hearts to respond in obedience. As a result, we merely receive information rather than a genuine transformation. Secondly, he studied the law. The word study means more than just examining something to gain knowledge. The term implies applying oneself to follow and obey. Ezra did not merely seek to understand the content of the law; he sought to apply it to his life. Spiritual growth begins with our surrender to the Bible and obedience to it, both in thought and action. This is further highlighted in the third statement, that he would "practice it." The term connotes a deep commitment to follow and obey the words, making it evident and honest in his life. The fourth desire he had was then to teach the law to others. He desired to communicate the law.
As we read through the story, we see Ezral's commitment revealed in multiple ways. First, we see his commitment to the law in his trust in God's protection during their travel, rather than relying on the king's military escort. In 8:21-23, we read where Ezra was more concerned about God's reputation than his protection. In his association with the king, he sought to be a witness to the King by proclaiming that the God of Israel was more than a localized deity; He was the God of all, and He protected His people. Ezra did not just say it; he believed it, and so he "put his money where his mouth is." Embarking on a journey fraught with danger, Ezra was committed to trusting in God alone for his protection.
Second, when he arrived in Israel, he discovered that several individuals had intermarried with the other nations surrounding Israel, which God had forbidden. This was more than just a failure to marry a Jewish wife; it was a threat to the whole nation, for it also involved the acceptance of idolatry. It was the intermarriage with foreign women and the tolerance of their idolatry that started Israel down the path towards idolatry that resulted in the judgment of God. Therefore, swift action was necessary to prevent Israel from once again falling into idolatry. This appears to be a unique situation, as in 1 Corinthians, Paul writes that a believer should not divorce their unbelieving spouse. This passage does not sanction divorce. However, what it does reveal is the radical nature of obedience and fidelity to God. We are to remain faithful to God and obedience to his word, no matter the cost. Christ points to the same truth in Matthew 10:37. Jesus is not forbidding loving and caring for our parents and family. We have a moral and biblical responsibility to do so. What he is saying is that our relationship with Christ is to be our highest priority in life. Genuine faith is unrivaled. The question we have to ask ourselves is this: "Am I putting other things to be more important than my faith and obedience to Christ?" If so, then we need to readjust our priorities and purpose in life.
Genuine faith leads to obedience to God's word, regardless of how costly or difficult it may be. Examine your life today and ask Christ to do a spiritual assessment of your life so that Christ is first. God does not call us to an easily life. He calls us to a life of radical obedience in which we live by His Word and obey Him in all things.
Ezra 6-10
"For 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." (7:10)
It is easy to give verbal agreement to the Bible, but it is much harder to allow the Bible to determine how we live and how we respond to every circumstance, even when it is costly. In 7:10, we see the attitude and heart of Ezra. Ezra was a scribe (7:6). Scribes were individuals who studied and copied the law. Because they devoted themselves to making copies of the law, they worked closely with the Priests in teaching the people the law of God.
In 7:10, we see the role and ministry of Ezra. First, he set his heart to study the law of the Lord. In other words, he devoted himself to studying the law. The word "devoted" conveys the idea of being prepared and ready. The first step in reading the Bible is to prepare the heart to respond in obedience and surrender to its teachings. Too often, we read the Bible without first preparing our hearts to respond in obedience. As a result, we merely receive information rather than a genuine transformation. Secondly, he studied the law. The word study means more than just examining something to gain knowledge. The term implies applying oneself to follow and obey. Ezra did not merely seek to understand the content of the law; he sought to apply it to his life. Spiritual growth begins with our surrender to the Bible and obedience to it, both in thought and action. This is further highlighted in the third statement, that he would "practice it." The term connotes a deep commitment to follow and obey the words, making it evident and honest in his life. The fourth desire he had was then to teach the law to others. He desired to communicate the law.
As we read through the story, we see Ezral's commitment revealed in multiple ways. First, we see his commitment to the law in his trust in God's protection during their travel, rather than relying on the king's military escort. In 8:21-23, we read where Ezra was more concerned about God's reputation than his protection. In his association with the king, he sought to be a witness to the King by proclaiming that the God of Israel was more than a localized deity; He was the God of all, and He protected His people. Ezra did not just say it; he believed it, and so he "put his money where his mouth is." Embarking on a journey fraught with danger, Ezra was committed to trusting in God alone for his protection.
Second, when he arrived in Israel, he discovered that several individuals had intermarried with the other nations surrounding Israel, which God had forbidden. This was more than just a failure to marry a Jewish wife; it was a threat to the whole nation, for it also involved the acceptance of idolatry. It was the intermarriage with foreign women and the tolerance of their idolatry that started Israel down the path towards idolatry that resulted in the judgment of God. Therefore, swift action was necessary to prevent Israel from once again falling into idolatry. This appears to be a unique situation, as in 1 Corinthians, Paul writes that a believer should not divorce their unbelieving spouse. This passage does not sanction divorce. However, what it does reveal is the radical nature of obedience and fidelity to God. We are to remain faithful to God and obedience to his word, no matter the cost. Christ points to the same truth in Matthew 10:37. Jesus is not forbidding loving and caring for our parents and family. We have a moral and biblical responsibility to do so. What he is saying is that our relationship with Christ is to be our highest priority in life. Genuine faith is unrivaled. The question we have to ask ourselves is this: "Am I putting other things to be more important than my faith and obedience to Christ?" If so, then we need to readjust our priorities and purpose in life.
Genuine faith leads to obedience to God's word, regardless of how costly or difficult it may be. Examine your life today and ask Christ to do a spiritual assessment of your life so that Christ is first. God does not call us to an easily life. He calls us to a life of radical obedience in which we live by His Word and obey Him in all things.
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