“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel” (v10). When Ezra the priest was chosen by the Assyrians to lead a group of Jews back to Israel, he was ready. As well as being a priest, Ezra was a scribe who had studied the Scriptures, and God’s hand was on him (v6). Given the tasks to lead others back to Jerusalem, carry gold and silver Temple objects, and teach the returned exiles the Law (v15, 25), Ezra could fulfill God’s call because he had been diligent in his previous studies.

“The hand of the Lord was on me” (v28). Our faithfulness today prepares us to respond to whatever opportunities or tasks God gives us tomorrow.