March 19

Ezra 7:10
“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments” ―Ezra 7:1010For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. (Ezra 7:10).
THE order here is most instructive, particularly for any who desire to serve the Lord in ministering to others. Note the four things that characterized Ezra. First “he prepared his heart.” We are told that “the preparation of the heart of man is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:11The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. (Proverbs 16:1)). This is all-important. A prepared mind will never take the place of a prepared heart. In the second place, Ezra sought the law of the Lord. He endeavored to become acquainted with his Bible. Thirdly, he set himself to do according to what he found written therein. He was obedient to the Word. Then, lastly, he began to teach others the statutes and judgments of the Lord. To do and then to teach was what was exemplified in our Lord Himself (Acts 1:11The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, (Acts 1:1)). We can only help others as we walk in obedience ourselves. It is the surrendered life that counts for God.
“O grant, Lord Jesus, mine may be
A life surrendered unto Thee.
The vessel need not be of gold,
Need not be strong, or wise, or hold,
But, Lord, the vessel Thou shalt choose,
It must be clean for Thee to use,
So fill my heart till all shall see
A living, reigning Christ, in me.”
—Barbara E. Cornet.