Field Vision 11-20-24
I love the book of Nehemiah. Those of you who were with us for our first four weeks will recall how it is one of my favorites. In my daily reading this morning, I was in the neighboring book of Ezra. If Nehemiah is about rebuilding the wall, then Ezra is about rebuilding the Temple. Though these descriptions are accurate, I would contend they are more about rebuilding a spiritual relationship than they are about rebuilding physical structures.
When Ezra arrives in Jerusalem in Chapter 7 the way he is described in verse 10 caused me to stop and reflect on my own life. It is my prayer you will do the same. Let's look at it together.
Ezra 7:10 Now Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord, obey it, and teach its statues and ordinances in Israel.
This is such a simple and essential description of not only those who lead others, but everyone who is determined to follow Jesus. Remember, even though we are not under the Law of Moses, we follow our Savior who fulfilled the Law of Moses!
Though we live in the grace and freedom Christ has given, we are not excused from the "determination" mentioned in Ezra 7:10. Paul shares what might be described as the "New Testament Ezra 7:10" in 2Timothy 2:15. It says, "Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth."
If we are to be like Ezra (and I believe we are), we must glean three key truths about God's Word.
1) We must be determined to study it. This is an unavoidable truth. When I am in a pastoral counseling session talking about struggles, sin, conflict, hurt, depression, frustration etc... My first question is going to be: "Have you devoted time to examining the truth of God's Word?"
I don't do this to hide my head in the sand. I am not saying I believe all difficulty will melt away because we checked "quiet time" off the list. There is a place for wise counsel, mental health, personal boundaries and prescribed medication.
But if we believe God's Word is the eternal, living and active Word of God... If we believe it is true... If we believe it reveals the nature of God and mankind... WHY DON'T WE DEVOTE TIME TO STUDYING IT? Please, my precious friends. If reading and studying God's word is a trial and chore, I beg you to reach out to me. I want to lovingly show you how it can be a sustenance and a joy. Please... determine to study the Bible. Your life depends on it.
2) We must obey it. Reading the instructions on how to put together your child's Christmas present will do nothing if you put the seat where the handlebars are supposed to be. The knowledge of God's Word, does not bring the blessing of obedience. We must obey what we read. Please be at peace. We can never obey perfectly. How do we walk in obedience when we have just walked in disobedience? How do we walk in obedience after we have failed? We confess the sin in prayer and enjoy the beautiful freedom of forgiveness. If we keep on failing in the same way, ask for some help! Tell someone you trust about the struggle... You know what you will probably find? They are struggling too and need your help and accountability. We must obey God's Word!
3) We must teach it. Maybe you think that sharing the truth of God's Word is for pastors only. When it comes to the local church there might be some contexts where that is true, but please know this: YOU ARE DESIGNED TO SHARE GOD'S WORD. I promise! And it can be a joy for you! If you are a spouse or a parent, you are to speak of the truth of God's Word in your home. If you are a teacher, influencer, neighbor, manager, leader or co-worker, you are designed to share the truth of God's Word. It may be a simple truth like: God created the earth. It may be an encouragement in a hospital room about the possibility of eternal life and perfect healing etc. The applications are endless, but please know this: When you study and obey God's Word, it will flow out of your life in shareable ways and teaching opportunities.
That is how God's Word worked in Ezra's life. May it do its perfect work in our lives as well. I want to help you with every step of this transformative journey in God's Word! You cannot live without it.
You are so very loved.
Pastor Fraser
When Ezra arrives in Jerusalem in Chapter 7 the way he is described in verse 10 caused me to stop and reflect on my own life. It is my prayer you will do the same. Let's look at it together.
Ezra 7:10 Now Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord, obey it, and teach its statues and ordinances in Israel.
This is such a simple and essential description of not only those who lead others, but everyone who is determined to follow Jesus. Remember, even though we are not under the Law of Moses, we follow our Savior who fulfilled the Law of Moses!
Though we live in the grace and freedom Christ has given, we are not excused from the "determination" mentioned in Ezra 7:10. Paul shares what might be described as the "New Testament Ezra 7:10" in 2Timothy 2:15. It says, "Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth."
If we are to be like Ezra (and I believe we are), we must glean three key truths about God's Word.
1) We must be determined to study it. This is an unavoidable truth. When I am in a pastoral counseling session talking about struggles, sin, conflict, hurt, depression, frustration etc... My first question is going to be: "Have you devoted time to examining the truth of God's Word?"
I don't do this to hide my head in the sand. I am not saying I believe all difficulty will melt away because we checked "quiet time" off the list. There is a place for wise counsel, mental health, personal boundaries and prescribed medication.
But if we believe God's Word is the eternal, living and active Word of God... If we believe it is true... If we believe it reveals the nature of God and mankind... WHY DON'T WE DEVOTE TIME TO STUDYING IT? Please, my precious friends. If reading and studying God's word is a trial and chore, I beg you to reach out to me. I want to lovingly show you how it can be a sustenance and a joy. Please... determine to study the Bible. Your life depends on it.
2) We must obey it. Reading the instructions on how to put together your child's Christmas present will do nothing if you put the seat where the handlebars are supposed to be. The knowledge of God's Word, does not bring the blessing of obedience. We must obey what we read. Please be at peace. We can never obey perfectly. How do we walk in obedience when we have just walked in disobedience? How do we walk in obedience after we have failed? We confess the sin in prayer and enjoy the beautiful freedom of forgiveness. If we keep on failing in the same way, ask for some help! Tell someone you trust about the struggle... You know what you will probably find? They are struggling too and need your help and accountability. We must obey God's Word!
3) We must teach it. Maybe you think that sharing the truth of God's Word is for pastors only. When it comes to the local church there might be some contexts where that is true, but please know this: YOU ARE DESIGNED TO SHARE GOD'S WORD. I promise! And it can be a joy for you! If you are a spouse or a parent, you are to speak of the truth of God's Word in your home. If you are a teacher, influencer, neighbor, manager, leader or co-worker, you are designed to share the truth of God's Word. It may be a simple truth like: God created the earth. It may be an encouragement in a hospital room about the possibility of eternal life and perfect healing etc. The applications are endless, but please know this: When you study and obey God's Word, it will flow out of your life in shareable ways and teaching opportunities.
That is how God's Word worked in Ezra's life. May it do its perfect work in our lives as well. I want to help you with every step of this transformative journey in God's Word! You cannot live without it.
You are so very loved.
Pastor Fraser
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