Ezra 7:10 - Whose turn to be the leader?

"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 was a priest, a scribe, and a great leader and he lived during the return of Israel from Babylon and the rebuilding of the temple.  His name means "Helper", and his entire life was spent in dedication to service to God and to his people.  Paramount in Ezra's life was the Word of God - he knew it, he believed it, he obeyed it, and he taught Israel by word and example.  He was able to successfully move Israel in the right direction because he adhered to the Word, refused to be compromised, and by his life encouraged a nation to do the same.

The Lord's requirements of us are not that many and not that difficult.  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your strength, and all your mind, and  love your neighbor as yourself. "   Love God with all that you are, and love others as much as you love yourself.  Ezra complied and eventually led Israel into national revival.  One man CAN make a difference when his heart is pure and his motives are holy.

Why are things like personal revival, church revival, national revival not happening today?  Why is there no spiritual fervor, no crying before God for restoration?  Why do we drag our feet and have the attitude that someone else will do it, like the pastor - that's his job, isn't that why we hired him?   Because it takes time, energy and dedication, not to mention a pure heart in regards to our motives.  Our lives are too busy to take time to sit apart with the Lord.   Our excuses run on to infinity.  We don't want others to think we've gone off the deep end.   You know what people say:  "you can be too heavenly minded to be any earthly good!".   And therein lies the problem, we're thinking about the natural and not the spiritual.

One person can make a difference.  We all want God to use us to His Glory, but unfortunately we want Him to do it on our terms and conditions.  Oh yes we do!  Here, not there.  This time, not now.  This way, not like that.  And God's Holy Spirit silently moves past us, searching out the earth for one person.  Scripture says Ezra was DEVOTED - he was concentrated one particular thing, God.  And therein lies the clue - devotion.  Deep, concentrated devotion.

God is searching for that one person who is devoted to Him, and Him alone, that He can use to His great glory and the good of the nation.  He knows your life and every, tiny facet of it, so .  . . . .    Is that person you?    If God called you, how would you respond?

"O Lord my God, searcher of hearts, diviner of thoughts, search me and know me, and mold me into Your person.  Take all wickedness from me, revive me by your Holy Spirit, make me holy as you are holy.  Jesus, my fears are many and they hold me back from you.  Take charge of my spirit, soul and body that I may be a true and holy blessing in Your sight.  Amen."

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

Psalm 51:13
2 Timothy 1:7
                 2:15
1 John 5:3
Matthew 6:6