“For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.” — Ezra 7:10
The Playbook
In a few short weeks, another NFL season will be here. Training camp is a prerequisite for all players before the first whistle blows. Preparation for the football season is a grueling experience consisting of hard work, perseverance and discipline. Mental preparation is also a part of training camp, along with an intense study of the game necessary in order to secure a victorious season.
As a part of this preparation, each player, rookies and veterans alike, is given a playbook — sometimes referred to as the “Bible of football.” It consists of plays drawn up by experienced coaches to be called both on offense and defense during the game. The execution and success of each play will be determined on how well each player understands his role and responsibility, as set forth in the playbook, and puts it into action. Studying and knowing the playbook is crucial. Each player on the team has a vital role to fulfill in order for the team to be successful.
Christians also have a playbook, THE BIBLE — God’s Word. It is His playbook to us on how we should live offensively and defensively during our stay on this earth. Ezra, the Old Testament scribe, “set his heart to study the law of the Lord.” He devoted his life to the study of the Scriptures. His passion was for God and His Word. Ezra not only studied God’s Word, but he practiced it, putting into action the plays designed by the ultimate playmaker. And Ezra did not stop there, but taught others what he had learned.
Do you have the passion of Ezra to study God’s Word and develop a deeper relationship with God? Do you have the discipline to practice what the Bible says, and do you have the desire to share with others what you are learning as a result of that deeper relationship with God?
Professional football players will invest the time, hard work and discipline to study the playbook due to their passion for the game and the desire to share a championship with their teammates and their fans. May we all have the desire to invest the time studying God’s Word, His Playbook, and to share with others the glorious victory that is ours only in Jesus Christ.
— Loring Schultz
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