December 7 | Bible in a Year: Daniel 5–7; 2 John

Effective Witness

Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord . . . and to teaching its decrees. Ezra 7:10

READ Ezra 7:1–10

“Hard-hearted! Barbaric! Unreachable!”

It was a harsh description of the seventh-century Northumbrians, but one that stirred Aidan’s heart. Sensing God’s call to love them, he walked the lanes and talked with peasants, gently explaining the Christian faith and living a sacrificial life.

Aidan was a man of deep prayer, spending hours meditating on Scripture on the barren island of Lindisfarne. Cut off from the Northumbrian mainland twice daily by tides, he equipped himself in the stillness for his witness and work. His ministry became so effective that Christian communities blossomed among the formerly stubborn Northumbrians.

I wonder if Aidan was following the example of Ezra the priest. Did he learn a vital principle from him? Returning to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile, Ezra met with a people who had lapsed in their commitment to God. But “the hand of the Lord his God was on him” (Ezra 7:6), a striking description of God’s favour on the influence of his teaching. Like Aidan, his effective ministry to instruct, edify and reform others was empowered first through what he studied in Scripture, and then put into practice himself (v. 10).

We don’t need to be a priest, church leader or modern-day theologian to enhance the effectiveness of our witness. As we listen with open hearts while reading God’s Word, and actively let it shape our attitudes and behaviour, His “gracious hand” (v. 9) of favour will enhance our influence too.

By Anne Le Tissier

How have you put into practice what God has shown you in His Word this week? How have you seen this impacting others who aren’t yet in a relationship with God?

Loving God, please teach me how to live the life of Your Word so that the authenticity of what I say and do may lead others to You.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

The book of Ezra, one of the Old Testament books of history, is closely linked with Nehemiah. The two books tell the story of the return of the southern kingdom of Judah from their Babylonian captivity. Ezra's concern was the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, while Nehemiah focused on the rebuilding of the city walls.