Human Response 582: Prepare Heart to Seek the Lord

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.

Upon the return from captivity in a time of crisis and need, the Jews needed a strong leader of courage and determination. The Lord raised up Ezra the scribe, the prophet, the teacher, and the leader to bring them through a difficult time. Ezra was able to get the temple built, to restore order and safety, and to reestablish the kingdom under the Law of Moses.

For this cause, Ezra responded by preparing his heart to seek the law of the Lord. The task would require studying, teaching, organizing, and leading. Ezra answered the call, but he was humble enough to know he could not do it without God. Thus he prepared himself to seek the Word of God. With diligent study, the Lord prepared him to do it and to teach it. Through Ezra, the Lord was successful in restoring the remnant of the kingdom of God on earth, so that the son of God could come to earth to save us all.

We also are called upon to accomplish difficult tasks within the sphere of influence in which we are called and placed. Marriage, family, church, community, work, and service are not areas of life that easily or automatically bring success and wellbeing. The Enemy opposes goodness everywhere. Therefore, we need to seek first the kingdom of God through prayer and faith. And God helps.

We prepare the heart by being in the Word daily and in church weekly. God is looking for a prepared heart in which He can dwell and through whom He can do good and great things.