How Our Leaders Can Be “Better Than Ezra”

One of the most overlooked men of scripture is a profound leader named Ezra. After Israel had been taken captive by Babylon for 70 years, God turned in mercy and allowed the people to return to their homeland. They were unfamiliar and curious about their surroundings, as well as the Word of God. After all, they had spent an entire generation in the Babylonian life: the most notoriously ‘worldly’ civilization in history! After the rebuilding of the temple, this incredible man of God named Ezra comes onto the scene.

Some things that we learn from Ezra are that above every other trait, he is known as a man who had the hand of God upon him (Ezra 7:6, 7:9, 7:28, 8:18, 8:22, 8:31). Israel desperately needed leaders at this point in their history; it was corrupt leaders that had led to their captivity in the first place! Nothing is more important in any ministry or church than the hand of God being upon the leaders. Leaders are called in scripture to be overseers, shepherds, servants, and ministers. They should be skilled and gifted in their talents but more important than abilities or aptitude is anointing. Leaders of any ministry should above all else be CALLED.

Ezra was also known as a well-versed teacher who was devoted to the study, observance, and teaching of the law (7:6,10). God has entrusted the leaders of this church with His Word, and we are exhorted to preach the Word, to correct, rebuke, and encourage (2 Timothy 4). This requires us to study the Bible to show ourselves approved unto God. We not only should be faithful to study, but like Ezra, be faithful to observe the commands of God. Leaders should be men above reproach who will face a stricter judgment for their position and teaching. Leaders must be COMMITTED to the Word of God.

Ezra was also brokenhearted for the things that break God’s heart. He mourned and grieved over the sins the people had committed, by marrying foreign women and corrupting their society. He confessed and interceded for the people, and had courage and support from his other leaders to do what was right, confronting sinners and standing for the truth without compromise (9:3; 10:1,10) . Church leaders are shepherds and overseers, and when the wolves of false teaching, worldly philosophy, and sensual indulgence begin to reek havoc on the flock, we should be men of prayer and purpose, and defend the sheep. God wants men, not boys, to stand up and be COURAGEOUS leaders of His church.

Finally, Ezra was humble and penitent before God. His prayer in chapter 9 reveals that He knew who God was, and wasn’t slow in admitting who Ezra wasn’t! Leaders are servants, not slave-drivers. We must be men who stand alongside the sheep, not in positions of authority above them. True men of God are CONTRITE in their attitudes and relationships with others.

Are you better than Ezra? You can be! Ezra had yet to see Messiah lifted up and bringing reconciliation to all men. We now have that complete message, and the world has yet to hear! God is raising up for Himself a generation of called, committed, courageous, and contrite men and women who care more about the glory of God than their own lives. And He has empowered us with His Spirit to be with us, to ensure the job is done right, in His strength and power. Is anyone following you? Then lead them like Ezra!

-Pilgrim