For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Ezra 7-8
“Now Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the LORD, obey it, and teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.” (Ezra 7:10). As a direct descendant of Aaron, this was a very appropriate thing for Ezra to do. As children of God under His new covenant, we have a similar mission. Jesus said, “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matt. 7:24). Thus, it is appropriate for us to determine in our hearts to pay attention to Jesus’ words, to act on them, and to help others to do the same.
We don’t all do this in the same way, but it is the basis for a life that serves God. Our journey won’t look like Ezra’s and my journey won’t look like yours. But our focus is the same. And when we keep that focus in everything we do we find, like Ezra, that God’s gracious hand strengthens us on our journey.
Ezra 9-10
I see an important difference between Ezra and the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day. Ezra was not self-righteous. When he became aware of Israel’s sin, instead of puffing out his chest and pointing his finger, he humbled himself before God in devastation. Ezra understood that God’s people are one body. If an eye or hand or foot from that body sins, it impacts the entire body. Jesus and Paul both taught that it is better to remove the one part than to let the entire body fall into condemnation. Better still, however, to encourage the wayward part back to God that, by His great mercy, He might make the body whole again.