The Ezra Call (Part Four)

One of my favorite Bible passages, and one I have long considered my “life verse,” is Ezra 7:10. Ezra dedicated his life "to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel." In this article I am putting forth a challenge to you, my reader, to accept an Ezra call on your life. Here are links to Parts One and Two and Three.

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The third part of Ezra's call was to teach the Word.

In 1st Corinthians 12:9, Paul asked the rhetorical question “are all teachers?” In context, the obvious answer is no. Everyone does not have the spiritual gift of teaching or hold the office of teacher. If this is so, then of what relevance to those not called to be teachers is Ezra’s commitment to teach the Word?

I have found it helpful to draw a parallel to the ministry and office of evangelist. All believers are not called to the office of evangelist. All Christians do not have the ministry of and evangelist. Yet all are called to evangelize within the sphere of influence God has given us; our families, friends, neighbors and co-workers.

In a similar manner, we can see that all of us are called to teach. All believers are not called to the office of a teacher. All Christians do not have the ministry of teaching. Yet all of us are called to teach within the sphere of influence God has given us; our families, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Parents need to be able to teach their children (Deut. 6:4-9). Husbands need to be able to teach their wives (Eph. 5:26, 28). All of us must be ready to give an answer as to what and why we believe (1 Peter 3:15). There is someone who is looking to you for answers.

Every believer can and should be able to disciple a new believer, if only his or her own children, in the basics of the Christian faith and life. You need to know how to lead someone to salvation, to teach them about baptism, and to guide them into being filled with and walking in the power of the Spirit. You will never be able to do this for others unless you understand the Scriptures yourself (“To Know”) and have experienced these foundations for yourself (“To Do”). Only then can you convey these truths to others (“To Teach”). This is what the author of Hebrews was referring to when he complained to his readers that they should be ready to teach, but still needed the basic milk of the Word (Hebrews 5:11-14).

So my question to you is: Will you accept an Ezra call? Are you willing to pay any price to be a person who , knows, does and teaches the Bible with both accuracy and passion? I think that is a calling He is wanting all of us to seek.