“... for the gracious hand of his God was on him. 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.” Ezra 7:9-10 (NIV)

About a month after my husband and I moved into our first home, we purchased a pool table. My husband was passionate about the game and also quite convincing. He couldn’t wait to enjoy his favorite pastime in his own home.

Once our sons were old enough to see the top of the pool table, my husband wasted no time in teaching them the game. By the time our little guys were in elementary school, they were pool pros, and my husband was one proud daddy.

If my husband, an earthly father, couldn’t wait to engage with his children over his favorite pastime, how much more does our heavenly Father beam with excitement when we take an interest in what interests Him — His Word?

In the Old Testament book of Ezra, we meet Ezra himself in Chapter 7. He is described as “a scribe who was well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given to the people of Israel” (Ezra 7:6a, NLT).

Ezra came up to Jerusalem from Babylon after God's temple was rebuilt. He was determined to study, obey and teach the law of the Lord. God honored Ezra’s passion for His Word by placing His hand upon him and giving him favor (mentioned three times in Ezra 7!).

“… for the gracious hand of his God was on him. 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” (Ezra 7:9-10).

God’s Word is the very heart of God. John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (NIV). Time in God’s Word is time with God! What other book are we able to read with a perfect, holy Author sitting next to us, ready and willing to speak to us and deepen our understanding of what we are reading?

The more time we spend reading our Bibles, the more we grow in our intimacy with God. It’s inevitable!

Those little pool pros are now young men. Although late-night, father-son pool tournaments are still loads of fun, what excites my husband and me beyond words is seeing our boys love God and study His Word.

There truly is “no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4, NIV).

Like Ezra, may we be ready scribes, eager to read, study and obey God’s Word. Our heavenly Father can’t wait to share His heart with His children!

Dear Jesus, thank You for hearing our prayers. Please give us a genuine hunger to read and study Your Word. May it take root and transform our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

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Have you ever wondered why you may anxiously obsess over something? The truth is whatever consumes our thinking deeply affects our quality of life, but is it possible to really “boss around” our thoughts? Lysa TerKeurst, counselor Jim Cress and Dr. Joel Muddamalle are covering this and more in a recent Therapy & Theology conversation, “Can We Control What We Think About?” Watch now.

To help you engage in God’s Word every day, pick up a copy of Quest for More: A One Year Devotional Through the Bible, co-written by today’s devotion writer, Binu Samuel.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Deuteronomy 32:47a, “These instructions are not empty words—they are your life!” (NLT).

Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (NIV).

Do you desire to grow deeper in God’s Word? Make a plan for how you can practically accomplish this. Consider joining a Bible reading plan, or simply start with the book of Matthew, reading one chapter daily.

In the comments, let us know how you’re currently studying the Bible or how you plan to engage more in God’s Word.

© 2024 by Binu Samuel. All rights reserved.