LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Profile of an Approved Teacher
Ezra is one of the most prominent Bible teachers in history. Jewish tradition holds that Ezra is the one who compiled the books of the Old Testament as we know them today. Not only that, he is probably the one who wrote several Old Testament books, such as Chronicles and Nehemiah, apart from Ezra himself. He was probably also the writer of Psalm 119, a wonderful exposition of God's word.
What does the Bible tell us about this man? There are some phrases that characterize him: "He was a scribe diligent in the law of Moses ... the hand of the LORD his God was upon Ezra ... a scribe versed in the commandments of the LORD". How had he come to be all that? The answer is found in a very significant phrase: "For Ezra had prepared his heart to search the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel his statutes and his judgments" (Ezra 7:10).
First of all, Ezra "had prepared his heart" before God. To be a teacher of the Word is not only a matter of studying certain theological subjects or knowing the Bible intellectually. The Word that he must then teach cannot pass from his mind to his mouth. It must go down to the heart, for from there it must come forth if it is to be a living word.
The second thing we can observe in this verse is that there are three verbs that give us an account of Ezra's conduct after disposing his heart: to inquire, to fulfill and to teach.
To inquire is to find out or carefully examine something. The Jerusalem Bible says: "to scrutinize". It is not a simple reading (although reading is basic). It is, as the word of the Lord says: "He who asks... he who seeks... he who knocks..."; it is the patient and constant study, the search for light before God, until the Word comes, enlightens and transforms.
Fulfill. The Jerusalem Bible translates: "Put it into practice". It is a question of obedience, of life, of a conduct in line with what the Word is saying. Someone has said that the best biblical commentary is obedience. How is God going to give more light today if the Word shown yesterday was not obeyed? In this sense, Ezra was a godly man, not a light scholar.
Teaching. Here the service of the minister of the Word comes into action. It is the third point, not the first or the second. Teaching is preceded by two basic requirements; only then comes the ministry proper.
Teaching is a ministry that honors any man of God. When the teacher teaches, the lie yields ground and the truth enters. Light rebukes darkness. Men are drawn to God. Men's paths are made straight. Sinners are converted. The church is edified. God's heritage is known, the standards of God's children are raised. And then, the life of God will find many channels to pour out.
That is why God's promise to them is so precious: "They that teach righteousness to the multitude (shall shine) as the stars for ever and ever" (Dan. 12:3). Have you been touched by God to do so? Have you received this privilege?