Who was Ezra in the Bible?
It is not personal achievement but personal commitment to live for God that is important. Achievements are simply examples of what God can do through someone’s life. The most effective leaders spoken of in the Bible had little awareness of the impact their lives would have on others. They were too busy obeying God to keep track of their successes. Ezra fits this description.
About 80 years after the rebuilding of the temple under Zerubbabel, Ezra returned to Judah with about 2,000 men and their families. He was given a letter from Artaxerxes instructing him to carry out a program of religious education. Along with the letter came significant power. But long before Ezra’s mission began, God had shaped Ezra in three very important ways so that he would use the power well. First, as a scribe, Ezra dedicated himself to carefully studying Gods Word. Second, he intended to apply and obey personally the commands he discovered in God’s Word. Third, he was committed to teaching others both God’s Word and its application to life.
Knowing Ezra’s priorities, its not surprising to note his actions when he arrived in Jerusalem. The people had disobeyed God’s command not to marry woman of foreign nations. On a cold and rainy day, Ezra addressed the people and made it clear that they had sinned. Because of the sins of many, all were under God’s condemnation. Confession, repentance and action were needed. The people admitted their sin and devised a plan to deal with the problem.
This initial effort on Ezra’s part set the stage for what Nehemiah would later accomplish. Ezra continued his ministry under Nehemiah and the two were used by God to start a spiritual movement that swept the nation following the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Ezra achieved great things and made a significant impact because he had the right starting place for his actions and his life: God’s Word. He studied seriously and applied it faithfully. He taught others what he had learned. He is, therefore, a great model for anyone who wants to live for God. Are you living for God? Do you know God? Do you know Jesus?
Are you certain that you are going to heaven? If the answer is no or your not really sure and there is something stirring inside you at this very moment to do this, then all you have to do is say a small prayer and you can be assured of your name being added to the Book of Life. Go to the prayer of salvation and pray the words out loud and believe in your heart and you will be saved.
Ezra’s story is told in Ezra 7:1 – 10:16 and Nehemiah 8:1 – 12:36
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