We go back now to Jerusalem. In 458BC, 50 years after the completion of the temple, Ezra now makes his entrance into the story. He is a priest of impressive lineage, not only a descendent of Aaron but also of Zadok, the most revered family line of the priests. He was also a scribe, a role that rose in prominence as the Jews became more concerned with the transmission of the Scriptures. Scribes were particularly devoted to the transmission and teaching of Scripture. They were the ones who preserved and edited the Old Testament as we now have it. So, Ezra was a man of the Word. It is significant that God should have deployed him at this time and the order of events is instructive. Now that the people had got their priorities right and had lifted themselves out of their lifestyle cocoons into God’s purpose, they were ready to receive God’s Word. The result of Ezra’s ministry at this time, as we shall see, was a religious revival, and one that would set the Jews up to face many challenges in the future. As David declared, the Word of God refreshes the soul and gives light to the eyes (Psalm 19); but only if the heart is permeable. We live in the age of the outpouring of God’s Spirit. It started ‘raining’ on the Day of Pentecost, and it is still raining now. But our thirsty souls often remain dry because the heart is unwilling to come out into the open and be vulnerable to God. We must be willing for all our selfish agendas to get washed away.
Ask God to soften your heart.
Read Ezra 7:1-10
