Be a Person of God's Word

My wife and I love to read epitaphs. We don't get to do this often, but it has been something we've found interesting.

I know you might find this strange, but think about it: What words will sum-up your life? Wendy and I have read all kinds of epitaphs. Some were very serious, and others were actually humorous.

For example, I'll never forget one epitaph we read. My eyes still moisten when I think about it. It was a very small tombstone at the head of a grave which looked less than twenty-four inches long. The message simply read something like: "Budded on earth to bloom in heaven."

Of course, I've heard of other epitaphs that were actually humorous. I guess the funniest one was this message on a headstone: "I told you I was sick!"

Why am I mentioning epitaphs in this blog? Well, it's because I just love Ezra 7:10. What a powerful thumbnail sketch of a person's life! I think it would be an honor to have these words summarize the life of any Beleiver. Just think about it...

There were three things about Ezra's life that stand out, and all of them centered around the Word of God. First, Ezra learned God's Word. Many people say that they wish they had a better understanding of the Bible, but they don't want to invest the time and work it takes to dig deep into the Scriptures. The reality is that we're blessed with so many tools for Bible study which are available right at our fingertips. All we have to do is take advantage of them, and the Holy Spirit will open our eyes to the truth of God's Word.

Second, Ezra lived God's Word. Knowledge isn't the main goal of Bible study. Rather, a life transformed by the power of God's truth for His glory is the ultimate goal! If we merely "listen" to God's Word without putting it into practice, we're like foolish people who build their houses on shifting sand according to Jesus (see Matthew 7:26-27). But if we "practice" what we hear, we're like wise people who build their houses on solid rock which can sustain any storm that comes our way (see Matthew 7:24-25). Of course, the key distinction here isn't "hearing" Christ's teachings - both the foolish and the wise person do this. Rather, the key is "practicing" Christ's teachings - this is the difference between standing or falling in life.

Third, Ezra led others to learn and live God's Word. Our study of God's Word isn't for our consumption alone. We're called to share what we learn with others so their lives may be impacted by the truth of God's Word, too. I love what Paul told young Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:1-2, "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others" (NIV). This sort of sounds like Jesus' Great Commission, doesn't it (see Matthew 28:18-20)? Sure it does! This is the point: We're not saved soak in isolation; we're saved to serve for impact to the glory of God!

Again, what a powerful summary statement for a life! May we take God's challenge to heart in 2 Timothy 2:15, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (NIV). And may we approach each day with a focus on learning, living, and leading others to learn and live God's Word!

Blessings!