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. (Ezra 7:10)
Ezra had set his heart. He was devoted. Committed. Determined.
Ezra set his heart to study the Law of the LORD. You won’t study if you aren’t devoted.
Ezra set his heart to do the Law of the LORD. I won’t do if I’m not committed.
Ezra set his heart to teach God’s statutes and rules. We won’t teach others if we aren’t determined.
Ezra studied, did, and taught because Ezra had set his heart.
And by the end of the chapter, Ezra is able to share, in his own words…
I took courage, for the hand of the LORD my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me. (7:28)
Devoted. Committed. Determined.
To study. Which led to courage in his heart.
To do. Which led to the hand of the LORD his God being on Ezra.
To teach. Which led to others being provoked to stand up in Israel and step out in faith.
All because Ezra had set his heart.
Which ought to provoke all of us to ask today, “On what is my heart set?”