March 19
The Continual Burnt Offering" F or Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel."
The order here is most instructive, particularly for any who desire to serve the Lord in ministering to others. Note the four things that characterized Ezra. First “he prepared his heart.” We are told that “The preparations of the heartø5[are] from the Lord” (Proverbs 16:1). This is all-important. A prepared mind will never take the place of a prepared heart. In the second place, Ezra sought the law of the Lord. He endeavored to become acquainted with the Scriptures. Thirdly, he set himself to do according to what he read. He was obedient to the Word. Then, lastly, he began to teach others the statutes and judgments of the Lord. To do and then to teach was what was exemplified in our Lord Himself (Acts 1:1). We can only help others as we walk in obedience ourselves. It is the surrendered life that counts for God.
O grant, Lord Jesus, mine may be
A life surrendered unto Thee.
The vessel need not be of gold,
Need not be strong, or wise, or bold,
But, Lord, the vessel Thou shalt choose,
It must be clean for Thee to use.
So fill my heart till all shall see
A living, reining Christ, in me.
—Barbara E. Cornet