말보다 말씀! 빚보다 빛!

[Key Verse]
“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.” (Ezra 7:10)

[Our Story]
I entered seminary with a burning passion. Studying theology was a joy. Most of my classmates were kind and sincere, and my ministry in the church was meaningful and full of grace. As time passed, I began looking for a biblical role model—someone whose life I could emulate. Many great figures came to mind: Joseph, who lived with wisdom and integrity even in hardship; Moses, who received God’s word on Mount Sinai and led the Israelites through the wilderness; David, a man after God’s own heart; Isaiah, the prophet who proclaimed salvation; Amos, the prophet of justice; and Paul, whose life overflowed with zeal for the gospel. But when I read Ezra 7, I found my ideal role model: Ezra the scribe. Ezra not only led the Jewish people from Babylon back to Jerusalem, but he also committed himself to restoring a weary, scattered people through the Word of God. scripture says, “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.” (Ezra 7:10) His mind was filled with God’s Word, and his hands and feet bore the marks of a life led by scripture. To this day, my admiration for Ezra has not changed.

[Bible Story]
Ezra chapters 7–8 recount the story of a return from exile led by the Word of God. Earlier, Zerubbabel had led the first group of Jews back from Babylon under King Cyrus’s decree. Despite opposition from the Samaritans, the returned exiles rebuilt the temple and celebrated the Passover—the restoration of worship had begun. Nearly 58 years later, Ezra, a priest and scribe, would lead the second wave of returnees, again under God’s guidance and providence. King Artaxerxes played a crucial role (Ezra 7:11–26). Not only did he authorize Ezra to lead the journey, he also generously provided resources, tax exemptions for temple workers, and authority to appoint officials. Ezra responded by praising God for His abundant grace (Ezra 7:27–28). With Ezra’s leadership, the second return commenced. The list in Ezra 8:1–14 tells us that 67,000 people returned. Yet one crucial group was missing—no Levites had joined. Ezra earnestly sought out faithful servants for the temple, and God graciously provided them. Before setting out, Ezra proclaimed a fast by the Ahava River, humbly seeking God’s protection for the journey (Ezra 8:21–23). God heard their prayers. Though enemies lay in wait along the way, God thwarted their plans, and the exiles arrived safely in Jerusalem. For four months, they experienced what it meant to be led and protected by the Word. It was a return led by scripture.

[Your Story]
What is guiding your life these days? What are you being led by? What lingers in your heart and mind the longest often ends up steering your life. I encourage you to take a moment to write down the thoughts, influences, and priorities that currently fill your heart. It’s more revealing than simply thinking about them. As you sort and reflect on these, you may clearly see what has been capturing your attention. If you discover anything that hinders your spiritual growth, don’t hesitate to say a firm “NO.” That’s what makes it easier to say “YES” to God’s Word. Empty your heart of negativity and fill it layer by layer with scripture. As you do, your life will begin to flow in the direction the Word leads.

“As for God, who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.” (2 Samuel 22:32–34)

Blessings,
Pastor Hyung Joong Kim

Copyrightⓒ 2025 by Hyung Joong Kim