July 4th | Ezra 7
What Is Your Heart Set On?
“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
What have you set your heart on?
We all have something, whether it’s a hobby, a passion, or even a TV show that we devote our time and energy to. For a season of my life, it was baseball. I played for a year and spent hours practicing, working, and striving to be the best I could be. I played throughout high school, and then my career came to an end. But as fun as that was, I realized something: the time I gave to that game wasn’t coming back. It made me ask, “What am I really made for?”
Ezra was a man who had his priorities in the right place. He set his heart on three things.
1. To Study God’s Word
Ezra didn’t casually glance at Scripture. He set his heart to study it. You don’t need to be a preacher to do this. We study things all the time, like YouTube tutorials, fantasy football stats, and social media gossip, but how often do we study God’s words?
“All Scripture is breathed out by God…” (2 Timothy 3:16). We hold the very words of God in our hands. Do we treasure them?
2. To Do What It Says
Knowing the truth means nothing if we don’t live it. James 1:22 reminds us, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Ezra didn’t stop at studying. He obeyed. God’s commands aren’t suggestions. They are life-giving instructions for how we were made to live.
3. To Teach Others
You may not preach from a pulpit, but if you belong to Jesus, you’re called to share Him. Colossians 3:16 encourages all believers, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… teaching and admonishing one another.” Every moment at work, at home, or on social media is a chance to reflect God’s Word to others.
So What Happens When You Set Your Heart on God?
Ezra 7:27–28 tells us:
- He experienced the steadfast love of God. Want to see God move? Give Him your time and attention, and watch Him show up.
- He took courage. The more Ezra obeyed, the bolder he became.
- He led others. A whole nation followed because one man set his heart to follow God.
You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be willing to study, obey, and share. God can do incredible things through someone whose heart is set on Him.
