A cycle of transformation

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.  Ezra 7:10

Oh that there would be many men like Ezra to sustain gospel ministry around the world! We need them. Men with hearts dedicated to the holy pursuit of knowing God by understanding His Word. Ezra “set his heart” to study God’s Law. He was fixated on scripture. He purposed not just to read the Word, but to study… not just to study… but to do what God taught. His heart thus set the trajectory for his life and ministry. The journey only began with knowledge. It broadened into obedience to the Law of God. And out of knowledge and obedience a teaching passion led many others to do the same. A culture was transformed.

This is exactly how people are changed. God works from the heart, to knowledge, to obedience, to sharing with others so that a group of people are changed. This is how God’s Word works. And through the preaching of the gospel the same transforming work can occur now anywhere, any time, any way, among any people. It starts with a heart set in faith in Jesus Christ to know Him and obey Him. And we know Jesus in His Word!

Lord,

Please raise up more men like Ezra, ready to study from the heart… ready to live from a transformed heart to do what You say and tell others what You say, modeling truth in love. Raise up authentic teachers and preachers (we are tired of showmen and smooth talkers) while this world still needs the gospel!

Amen