Ezra 7|10 NIV

For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

Often, people give up on the Bible before they really study to understand it. 

A few years back, I decided I needed something that I could do with my boys. At the time they were both younger. So, while they were playing Halo on the Xbox I asked if I could play. They were eager to destroy their father.  I was not good, and they blew me up repeatedly. I spent most of the time staring at the ground spinning in a circle. 

I decided I was done and walked away. Then I remembered that this was not about Halo, this was about having fun with my boys. So, while they were at school I practiced. I studied the maps and figured out my favorite weapons. The next time we played, I destroyed them. We have been having fun playing all kinds of video games ever since.

Many people read the Bible and get confused or maybe even bored. Many people study it a little but wave the white flag too early. They decide I will just trust the preacher to tell me what I need to know. Quickly, the Bible becomes just a hobby, like video games, that you don’t have the time or the interest to figure out. 

Ezra devoted himself to studying God’s word. That meant a lot of early mornings reading by candlelight. A ton of research and many meetings with others who studied God’s word. He overcame complexity and confusion and came out the other side blessed by God because he cared enough to do the work. 

The Bible honestly won’t be that helpful if you don’t devote yourself to studying and understanding it. Hebrews 11:6 says “He (God) rewards those who earnestly seek him.” God wants you to seek him not just when his word is spoon-fed to you through a sermon. The real reward is when you seek him in your own personal study.