Ezra 7

“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” (Ezra 7:10, NKJV)

Good things don’t just “happen”. We must prepare for them. A farmer could stare at his field for years and nothing would grow except weeds. It isn’t until he prepares the soil by breaking it up, fertilizing it, and planting seed that he can expect a harvest. The same is true with the human heart. It must be cultivated and prepared. If we do not choose to fill it with good things, then we will be subject to the whims of the world and the lusts of the flesh.

Ezra was a priest in Babylon, but with no temple and no sacrifices there wasn’t much demand for priests. However, Ezra had vision beyond his current situation. Eighty years earlier the first Jewish exiles had left Babylon to begin work on the temple and twenty years later it was completed. Opportunity now existed in Jerusalem, so Ezra got to work.

First, Ezra prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD. When it comes to education we usually think of preparing the mind, but Ezra prepared his heart. The heart is the seat of our affections. Ezra delighted himself in the Law of the LORD as did David.

“I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart.” (Psalm 40:8, NKJV)

Second, Ezra devoted himself to obeying the Law of God. If we hear the Word, but don’t do what it says, then we deceive ourselves, thinking we are more righteous than we really are (James 1:22). Ezra knew that if he kept God’s commandments, then he would live by them (Leviticus 18:5).

Third, Ezra applied himself to teaching the statutes and ordinances to his fellow Jews. He knew that the Word of God had power to transform lives. Knowing and keeping the commandments would lead to prosperity and success for God’s chosen ones (Joshua 1:8).

Ezra prepared himself in faith. Therefore it is not surprising that God opened the door for him, giving him favor with King Artaxerxes, and strengthening him to lead many Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem.

“The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9, NLT)

What open door of opportunity is God setting before you? What must you do to prepare yourself to go through it?