THIS BOOK OF THE LAW
TOPIC: THIS BOOK OF THE LAW
TEXT: EZRA 7:1-28
It took Ezra four months to travel from his base in Babylon to Jerusalem just to teach the Law of the Lord, many Jews were in the land of bondage together with him who had forgotten about the law of God; Ezra was eager and happy to not only know the Law but to also teach other people. God has giving us His Word to profit and prosper, when was the last time you open the Bible? At what point do you take interest in reading and studying the Scripture? You may be deceived if you fail to receive the true Word of God. Paul wrote to Timothy, study to show thyself approved; God Himself warned Joshua about the Law which must not depart out of his mouth. Twice God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and subsequently gave different instructions on how the Israelites should live.
In one of the family Bibles printed several years ago, I saw this inscription and hope you will learn from it, “This Book (the Bible) contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and it decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveller’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the Gates of Hell disclosed. Christ is its Grand Subject, our good its design, and the Glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgement, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labour, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents. This volume is the Word of GOD.”
Ezra was a man of great learning, a ready scribe, in the law of Moses. He was very much conversant with the scriptures, it is to be feared that learning ran low among the Jews in Babylon; but Ezra was instrumental to revive it. The Jews say that he collected and collated all the copies of the law he could find out, and published an accurate edition of it, with all the prophetical books, historical and poetical, that were given by divine inspiration, and so made up the canon of the Old Testament, with the addition of the prophecies and histories of his own time.
Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, he made it his business to enquire into it, searched the scriptures, and sought the knowledge of God, of his mind and will, in the scriptures, which is to be found there, but not without seeking. He made conscience of doing according to it; he set it before him as his rule, formed his sentiments and temper by it, and managed himself in his whole conversation according to it. Moses in Egypt, Ezra in Babylon, and both in captivity, were wonderfully fitted for eminent services to the church. Who are you to the Word of God? If you are quoting the scripture while you pray, can the Scripture recognize you? Think about it.
Word Affirmation: “They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought." - Job 8:22 (Don't just say it, mean it!)
“You may be deceived if you fail to receive the true Word of God."
Central Truth