EZRA THE RESTORER (7:1-10)
Neal Pollard
Incredibly, in the ten chapter book of Ezra written by Ezra, we don’t start to read about the man, Ezra, until the beginning of chapter seven. He starts by giving his lineage, which he traces back through sixteen generations directly to Aaron, the first High Priest and brother of Moses (1-5). This is not an exhaustive genealogy, and we should think of “son of” as “descendant of.” Ezra has a great pedigree and would have had heightened influence among his people. This fact makes it all the more important and wonderful that he throws his weight at the work of restoration.
Consider that God gives us all resources to use, as He illustrates through His Son in the Parable of the Talents (Mat. 25:14-30). We think about using our possessions wisely, for God’s purpose and to His glory. But, what about our name and influence? Proverbs 22:1 asserts that “A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold” (cf. Ecc. 7:1a).
Not only was he influential, he was also talented. Ezra 7:6 describes him as “a scribe skilled in the law of Moses.” We see that skill in motion throughout the remainder of the book bearing his name. Consider that God gives to each of us talents which we can use to earn a living, garner the respect of others, and teach others to have, but it is gross misuse of our talents not to prioritize them for the purpose of advancing His cause!
Ezra, furthermore, was blessed. King Artaxerxes (1,6) “granted him all he requested.” Yet, he acknowledged the ultimate source of those blessings. “The hand of the Lord his God was upon him” (7). “The good hand of his God was upon him” (9). He translated those blessings into fruitful labor for God. Remember that God “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). He wants us to convert blessings into building for Him.
Finally, Ezra was equipped (6,10). Verse six says he is “skilled in the law.” How did that come about? It started in his heart (10), where all meaningful change begins. It was manifested in his diligence to “study the law of the Lord” (10). It was shown by his modeling or exemplifying what he wanted others to learn and do, as he practiced it (10). It culminated in his teaching God’s statutes and ordinances to the people (10). 2 Timothy 2:15 commands us to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” Ezra shows us the process–prepare your heart, study, practice, and teach. What a formula! The end result will be restoring God’s will and word among the people!
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