Share Life: 40 days of Prayer

Day 9, March 2nd 2007

Ezra 7:1-10

Who was Ezra? He was one, “skilled in the law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given…for Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.”

The Word of God has fallen on hard times in post-modernity. We’ve become skeptical that there’s any real meaning in the text, perhaps because we’ve seen the text used to justify horrific crimes against humanity, or because we’ve heard the text preached well, but ignored by church leaders. As a result, experience is in vogue. Bible reading has fallen on hard times. Paint a picture? Walk a labyrinth? Meditate silently? Write a song? We like it all.

But what will it be that exposes the differences between mere emotional highs, and real encounters with God? What, in other words, will help us discern between that which comes from the Spirit, and that which comes merely from the soul (that part of us which consists of mind/will/emotions, and which is so easily enthralled with whatever is popular, whatever is politically correct, whatever is pleasing)?

The Bible tells us that it’s the Word which divides between soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12) and is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The Word, if properly divided, will expose missteps before they occur, will give us hope and comfort in our distress, guidance in our confusion, and so much more. That’s why Ezra’s role was so critical, and it’s why I believe that preaching and teaching ministries must never go away, no matter how archaic or outdated they may seem.

Oh Living Word…We would want neither to be swayed by the winds of the times, nor intent against being corrected when the winds of the times might open to us a timely Word. I pray that as a community we would, before all else, be a people with ears to hear what you’re saying to us, both individually and collectively. Build into us a passion for your Word, that we might delight in hearing from you and responding. And thank you for all that awaits us as we walk this path, praying in your Living Name… Amen.

(Think about practical steps you should take to ‘hear God speak’ through his word on a more regular basis. Do you need help with this? Let me know, and I’ll point you to some resources.)

posted by Richard Dahlstrom @ 9:54 AM