Ezra's Arrival

Introduction

Fifty seven years pass between the completion of the temple and the journey of Ezra to Jerusalem. Chapter seven starts off with the genealogy of Ezra in order to show his importance. Ezra was not just some random guy that was chosen to be a proxy of the king. Rather , Ezra was from the line of Aaron. He was a scribe that studied and taught the Law of Moses and was influential in the court of the king.

This genealogy reminds us that God works in history and raises up influential people to inspire and lead His people.

Ezra brought with him a letter from the king and many of his country folk who did not previously return to Jerusalem.

The letter instructs Ezra to purchase the animals needed for the sacrifices with money from the royal court and that they have been given complete religious liberty.

More than just history, we learn what godly men and leaders focus on.

1. Godly Leaders Study, Apply, and Teach Scripture

Ezra 7:10 ESV

10 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.

Verse 9 says that the “good hand of his God was on him.” Ezra did not have the favor of God upon him because of his prestigious lineage or position in the royal court. The hand of God was on Ezra because he “set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach His statutes and rules in Israel.”

It had nothing to do with who Ezra was. But it had everything to do what he was devoted to. Ezra would become one of the most influential men in Israel’s history. But it was because Ezra devoted himself to the Law of God. He was devoted in studying it, living it, and teaching it.

Godly leaders are devoted to the Word of God. They study the Scriptures. They live what they read. And they teach it to the people around them.

There might be other responsibilities that they have, but if they love God and His people, their priority will be the Word of God.

David writes in Psalm 1 “1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”

The one that delights in the Word of God will prosper and will be sustained by God. There is nothing more important for leaders than to be immersed in the Word of God. To drink deeply from it’s well and be completely saturated in it.

It is vital for those of us in leadership, whatever capacity to be devoted to the study, application, and teaching of God’s word.

This is why the office of Deacons was established. Acts 6:2–4 “2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.””

Husbands, devote yourself to the Study, Application, and Teaching of Scripture.

Wives, devote yourself to the Study, Application, and Teaching of Scripture.

Leaders of New Hope, devote yourself to the Study, Application, and Teaching Scripture.

D Group Leaders, devote yourself to the Study, Application, and Teaching of Scripture.

Nothing else matters if we neglect this! We can lead whatever any of us are in charge of perfectly, but if our lives are not saturated in the Scriptures and we aren’t teaching them, then the favor of the Lord is not upon it.

2. Godly leaders Acknowledge and Submit to the Will of God

Ezra 7:23 ESV

23 Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be done in full for the house of the God of heaven, lest his wrath be against the realm of the king and his sons.

Godly leaders will listen, and obey the decrees of God, found in the Bible as well as where God is directing them to lead the people they’re over. God’s Will is greater than our own, therefore we submit to what He has commanded.

We submit our lives to the will of God because we know that His plans for us are greater than our own. Likewise, no matter what any of us might lead, we understand that God’s plan for the people under us, the ministries we might have, or whatever else it might be, is greater than our own.

We also realize the danger in not following His decrees. If we rebel against God and try to go our own way and disobey, we will face discipline and the Wrath of God.

3. Godly Leaders Praise God

Ezra 7:27–28 ESV

27 Blessed be the Lord, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem, 28 and who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty officers. 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.

We see that Ezra praised God for three things. He praised God for influencing and guiding the king. He praised God for His steadfast love and favor. And he praised God for the people that would help him lead Israel.

Godly leaders praise God for their leaders and acknowledge that God has given them authority as well as is leading them in His plans. Godly leaders praise God for His faithfulness and love for that He has shown them. And Godly leaders praise God for the support they have and the people they get to lead.

It is a high calling to be a leader in any fashion. Praise God for it. Rely on Him and thank Him for leading you.