Bible Reading: Ezra 7:8-10
Let’s continue our series on using our hand as a Bible study tool.
If you remember, the first finger on our hand represented hearing the word of God. The second
finger represented reading the word of God.
The third finger represents studying the word of God. While hearing is passive, studying is active. Study requires effort. When we study God’s word, we take time to compare what we have heard with what we actually read in the Bible. We take time to be sure we really understand what God’s word teaches.
In today’s Bible reading we read about Ezra. Ezra was a teacher who went to see the king. While there, Ezra was able to get permission to do many good things for Israel. Ezra had amazing success dealing with the king, because, as Ezra 7:9 says, “…the gracious hand of his God was on him [Ezra].”
Why was God so good to Ezra? Why did God bless Ezra with so much success? Ezra 7:10 says, “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.”
In the New Testament we read about the Bereans (Acts 17:11). The Bereans, like Ezra pleased God and was blessed by God because they read His word for themselves.
God blessed Ezra. God blessed the Bereans. God wants to bless us, too. One of the best ways to please God and receive His blessing on our lives is to spend time studying God’s word.
I pray that you will diligently seek God’s blessing by studying His word.
“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11
Prayer: Heavenly Father, guide me as I diligently study Your word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.