Be Prepared

Somewhere in my much younger Scouting days, I seem to remember the motto, “Be prepared.” I'm not sure anyone ever thoroughly explained to me what that meant. It may have been confusing if someone had as just the word “prepare” can take on any number of meanings depending on how the word is used. When I prepare a meal, I have both thought it out, cooked the “whatever”...thus, I prepared a meal for my household. A person who is prepared is someone who is ready for action so the word itself can have a before and after meaning.

In our Sunday school lessons of late, we are now in the book of Ezra. There are times while “preparing” a lesson that a verse just pops out at me and our up coming lesson is no exception. Chapter 3 of Ezra gives information about this godly man and leader who had the responsibility of leading some of his people out of captivity back to the home front. There was a lot to be done in Jerusalem. Some building of houses and walls had already been done. Ezra, however, was very concerned about the spiritual state of his people. He and they set out to re-establish the building of an altar and then laying a foundation for a temple. In all of this, Ezra was seen by the people as a strong, spiritual leader. What contributed to such strengths in this godly man. Allow me to pick apart Ezra 3:10 to see what contributed to the spiritual fiber in this man who was an example for his people but even today is an example for us as well.

For Ezra had prepared his heart
to seek the Law of the Lord
and to do it,
and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.

If we are going to amount to anything for God, there must be action on our part to get prepared. It begins with the heart and ends with the heart. It must be our heart's desire to be all for God we can possibly be. This could have to do with education that may be required for a certain vocation. Still yet, that drive and initiative will still be a heart thing. As we prepare our hearts, God will instill in us a love for people, people we may lead or serve in some way. I have known people in full time Christian work, hoping to be spiritual leaders who will never make it. Little love for people will usually indicate something lacking in ones love relationship with the Lord. Ezra loved his people and had, it would seem, every credential for being the spiritual leader of his people. Love for God and people were instrumental in Ezra's
heart preparation.

Ezra's next step was to seek the Law of the Lord...God's Word. There is no substitute for this. We can hold every possible position in the church, pay our bills, do for our families and even refrain from kicking the family dog. Those things will never be a substitute for seeking on a daily basis what the Word of God has to say as we open it's pages, praying for the Holy Spirit to teach us as only He can. Leading and teaching people takes a great deal of energy. Most people don't believe that but any leader or teacher could attest to that fact.

Notice next, that Ezra not only got into God's Word, the Law and came to know it well but he took the next step. He simply did what it said...obedience. How many times have we read something in our Bibles that spoke to our hearts, encouraging us to do or be something for God. We perhaps closed that precious book, walked away and continued doing our own thing. If we are to count for God, our lives must be those of obedience. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” That's pretty clear and plain. Our obedience is a yardstick to measure the level of love we have for Jesus. My children will tell you that when they were young, I often made the statement, “Simple obedience is all that is required.” As I said that to them, there were times I know when I wasn't practicing what I was preaching in my walk with my Heavenly Parent. Any good leader I have ever known is one with the heart of a servant, submissive and humble in spirit. Those are qualities instilled by God in His child who chooses to walk in obedience to His will.

Lastly...and after the above...Ezra was in a position to lead through his teaching the statutes and ordinances of God's law. Many women I know are quick to say, “But I'm just not a teacher.” I don't believe that for one minute. Every one of us are teachers whether we know it or not. God broadens our influence as we walk in obedience to Him and His Word. Some may be professional teachers while most are not. The most uneducated women I've known are still teachers as they instill character and Godly principles into the lives of their children. Some ladies beautifully teach Sunday school classes. They may not be the most articulate but God blesses their study and efforts as those they teach learn and are blessed.

We are often teaching when we have no idea we are doing it. My friend Patsy would probably tell you that she isn't a teacher. She can sub in a children's class but wouldn't want to teach my ladies class. She's a hard worker with hands-on, background things at church. She has to be one of the most thoughtful women I know, tender in heart and spirit. She brought me a basket the other day that contained six wrapped gifts and a card. She knew I was going to be going through six chemo treatments for six weeks. She said I could open one gift after each chemo process. The first gift was a lovely candle and she had attached to it a Bible verse:

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD,
and whose hope the LORD is.
Jeremiah 17:7

In all my reading of Scripture, I don't know how many times I may have read that verse, but on that day, that verse lived anew for me. I saw that with everything going on, I will be blessed as I trust and that my real hope the LORD is....not doctors, nurses or anyone else. I've been saying this verse over and over and it continues to bless, encourage and teach me. Patsy would tell you that she isn't a teacher. Oh really? I've usually taught her in our ladies Bible study, but on that day and this week, she taught me some things by reminding me of God's blessings and hope in tough times.

Ezra is a part of our spiritual heritage, a spiritual relative. His example is for us to look at ...prepare, take in God's Word, obey it and pass it along however God has gifted us to do it.

Lord Jesus, what a wonderful Teacher You were while here on earth and You continue teaching us through Your Word. Thank You for every word and concept You shared for us that we might know You more fully and walk in obedience to You without hesitation. We love you...Amen