Want to Be Used by God? Follow Ezra's 3-step method
- Thad DeBuhr
- Sep 30
- 7 min read
Ezra Chapter 7, verses 1 -10
Have you ever felt stuck in a spiritual rut? You know you should be closer to God, you want a vibrant faith, but somehow, the journey from reading the Bible to truly living it out feels overwhelming. It’s like owning a beautiful map but never quite knowing how to navigate the terrain. This isn’t a new problem; people have felt this way for centuries. But what if the solution isn't a complex new strategy, but a profound, personal devotion that can transform your life from the inside out?
Imagine a nation, just returned from exile, with their temple rebuilt, but their hearts still feeling the emptiness of years spent far from God. They needed more than bricks and mortar; they needed a spiritual awakening. And into this setting stepped a man whose life embodied the very devotion they desperately needed to reclaim. His name was Ezra, and his journey—and his commitment—hold powerful lessons for us today.
Before you dig into the story, I would encourage you to read through the passage in two different bible translations from this list: NIV, NLT, NASB, ESV, NKJV
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EZRA 7 Setting The Scene:
A New Kind of Leader
To truly appreciate Ezra’s story in Ezra chapter 7, verses 1 through 10, we need to understand the world he stepped into. After 70 years of exile in Babylon, the Jewish people were slowly returning to their homeland, Jerusalem. The first wave had rebuilt the Temple, but while the physical structure was back, the spiritual foundation of the people was shaky. They had been separated from their land, their temple, and often, from the consistent teaching of God's Law. They needed someone to reconnect them to their roots.
This is where Ezra comes in, around 458 BC, about 60 years after the initial return. He wasn't just any leader; he held a unique and powerful position. Our passage introduces him as "a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses" (Ezra chapter 7, verse 6).
What was a "Scribe" in Ezra's day?
In earlier times, a scribe might have been someone who simply copied texts. But by Ezra’s era, the role had evolved significantly. A scribe like Ezra was much more than a copyist; he was a scholar, a theologian, a teacher, and an interpreter of God's Law (the Torah). He was an expert in the Scriptures, responsible for preserving, studying, and explaining them to the people. Think of him as a highly respected legal scholar and spiritual authority rolled into one.
Ezra also came from a distinguished lineage—he was a descendant of Aaron, placing him squarely in the priestly line. This gave him both a scholarly authority and a priestly authority, making him uniquely qualified to lead a spiritual reformation.
The most striking detail about Ezra is found in Ezra chapter 7, verse 10: "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." This verse is the key to understanding his success. His commitment wasn't just professional; it was deeply personal. He didn't just know the Law; he lived it and taught it passionately. This three-layered devotion—study, observance, and teaching—was the engine of his life and the catalyst for a nation's renewal.
Questions to Chew on and Discuss
Take some time to ponder these questions personally, or discuss them with a trusted friend or small group.
Ezra's Three-Fold Devotion: Ezra chapter 7, verse 10 highlights three essential components of Ezra’s commitment: study, observance (living it out), and teaching. Which of these three areas comes most naturally to you, and which one feels like the biggest challenge or growth area right now? Why do you think that is?
The Hand of God: Ezra found favor with both God and the king, and the text
repeatedly states, "the hand of the LORD was upon him" (Ezra chapter 7, verses 6 and 9). How do you think Ezra's deep, personal devotion to God's Word influenced his awareness and experience of God's favor and guidance in his life?
Beyond the Page: Ezra was committed to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel (Ezra chapter 7, verse 10). This implies a desire for the Law to actively shape the community. What are some specific areas in your personal life or community where a deeper understanding and application of God's Word could bring about much-needed spiritual change?
Journey Group Discussion Starter
Think about a skill or a hobby you’ve been truly passionate about in your life – maybe it’s playing a musical instrument, learning a new language, mastering a sport, or excelling in a craft.
What kind of time, effort, and intentionality did you pour into studying that skill (reading about it, watching others)?
How committed were you to practicing or observing it (actually doing it, living it out)?
Now, honestly compare that level of "devotion" to how you currently approach God's Word. What insights does this comparison give you about areas where you might intentionally grow in your spiritual devotion, moving from passive interest to active, transformative engagement?
Applying It Today
Ezra's story isn't just an ancient historical account; it's a powerful blueprint for us today. God is still calling people to a deep, personal, and active devotion to His Word. He wants us to move beyond simply reading the Bible to actively study it, live it out, and then share its truth with others. This kind of passion is truly a catalyst for spiritual renewal, and it positions you to be used by God for great Kingdom work.
Take a moment to reflect on Ezra's example and your own journey. What is one practical, tangible "next step" that God might be guiding you to take this week in response to what you've learned?
Study: Could you commit to a specific time each day for focused Bible reading? A great way to up your study game is to commit to watching The Daily Bible Podcast and taking notes as a starting point for deeper reflection. If you really want to get serious about studying, it's time to sign up for our free in-depth Bible study guides that we email out every day to help you dive deeper into the passages that we read each day on the Daily Bible Podcast.
Obey/Live It Out: Is there a particular command or principle from Scripture that you know you need to apply more diligently in your daily life – perhaps related to Pray, Forgive, Encourage, Serve, Support, Give, Connect?
Teach/Connect: Could you share a spiritual insight you've recently gained with a friend, lead a short devotional for your family, or simply engage in a conversation about faith?
Choose one specific action. Write it down. Pray about it. Then, step out in faith this week, knowing that as you devote yourself to His Word, God’s hand will be upon you.
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