1 / 57

EZRA

EZRA. A BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP MODEL. Presented by Jean-Luc Lézeau. Ezra and Nehemiah. These two names go together in the history of God’s people. Nevertheless, Nehemiah is most often used as a model leader. Ezra and Nehemiah.

kmorehouse
Download Presentation

EZRA

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. EZRA A BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP MODEL Presentedby Jean-Luc Lézeau

  2. Ezra and Nehemiah • These two names go together in the history of God’s people. • Nevertheless, Nehemiah is most often used as a model leader.

  3. Ezra and Nehemiah • It is true that with God’s help he performed a miracle: the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s walls in 52 days. • What did Ezra do meanwhile?

  4. Ezra and Nehemiah • As is often the case: some people get credit for tangible achievement while others who work on intangible, but more important matters, are forgotten.

  5. Both are dedicated and inspired by God to use their talent and character for His purpose.

  6. The History • The children of Israel had been in exile for almost 70 years. • Jeremiah’s prophecy was about to be fulfilled (Jer 25:11,12; 29:10). • The time had come to return to Israel.

  7. God’s plan vs Man’s heart One would think that they would all rejoice and rush back to their own land.

  8. God’s Plans vs Man’s Heart • Remember the journey out of Egypt. • It looks like God’s chosen people have to be forced out of exile.

  9. God’s plan vs Man’s heart Is it not the same with every sinner? • Slave to sin • God tried many times to free us before succeeding • Some accepted, some stayed

  10. God’s plan vs Man’s heart • Did God plan on the various delays? • Or did He work around them?

  11. God’s plan vs Man’s heart • God uses man’s heart to His benefit. • Instead of delays, God’s plans are progressive or sequential. • He uses three different steps to redirect His chosen people to the better life He had in store for them.

  12. The History • It was a time of rebuilding for the children of Israel. • And God knows that it takes time to change man’s heart (Ez 36:26)

  13. Zerubbabel’s Role • God prepares the setting, Zerubbabel, the prince, rebuilds the Temple. • God’s House has to be rebuilt first • Without a place of worship the nation is doomed • God’s primary goal is for His people to worship Him so that He can bless them.

  14. Ezra’s Role • 57 years later (457 BC) Ezra, the priest, rebuilds their spiritual life • As in the desert, God retrains His people to worship Him • They had forgotten the rites of their cult to Him • This takes a God’s inspired leader to do

  15. Nehemiah’s Role • 13 years later Nehemiah the politician was to rebuild, the walls around Jerusalem (444 BC) • Representing their socio-political position • Representing their ability to defend themselves against enemies • Restoration of passed glories

  16. 1st Intervention from God1st decree • God touched the heart of Cyrus to let go of the Israelites under Zerubbabel’s command (Ez 1). • Cyrus felt responsible for rebuilding the Temple. (V.2)

  17. 1st Intervention from God1st decree • Cyrus ordered the restitution of all valuable items taken from the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar. • Did all the captives go back to Jerusalem?

  18. 1st Intervention from God1st decree • Nearly 50,000 Israelites went back to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, their House of Worship (Ez 2:64-65).

  19. 2nd Intervention from God2nd decree • Darius issues a second decree to let the Israelites continue rebuilding the Temple. (Ez 6) • It took them over 23 years to complete the task (538-515 BC)

  20. Would we have heard of Esther’s story if Mordecai would have returned to Israel? What about the plan to eliminate the Jews during Xerxes reign?

  21. 3rd Intervention from God3rd decree • Artaxerxes led Ezra return to Jerusalem (457 BC) Ez 7:13 • The king offers presents of gold and silver to the God of Israel. Ez 7:15 • Ezra is to receive as much as he wants from the treasurers of the provinces Ez 7:16

  22. 4th Intervention from God • Artaxerxes allowed Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (444 BC) • The king gives all necessary materials for the rebuilding of the doors. Ne 2:8

  23. 4th Intervention from God • Nehemiah is appointed governor of Jerusalem Ne7:2; 5:14;8:9;13:6-7.

  24. What was Nehemiah still doing in Suza ?

  25. Ezra’s Resume • His lineage, Ez 7 : 1-5 • His education, Ez 7:10a • His beliefs, Ez 7: 10b • His job, Ez 7 : 10c

  26. The Prerequisites for a Godly Leader • Knowthe Word (study) • Showthe Word (model) • Growthe Word (teach)

  27. Ezra’s life • Devoted himself to the study and observanceof the Law of God, and to teachingits decrees and laws in Israel.

  28. Ezra does not ask anything from the King. He trusts God to provide. Nehemiah asks the king : For past letters For materials to rebuild the doors Style of Leadership Ezra Nehemiah

  29. When Ezra received a present from the King he praises the Lord. Ez 7:8 Nehemiah is blessed by the King’s present because the hand of God was on him. Ne 2:8 Style of Leadership Ezra Nehemiah

  30. Before leaving, Ezra takes 3 days to check on the people going with him. Nehemiah leaves immediately. Style of Leadership Ezra Nehemiah

  31. Ezra the priest recruits Levites before he leaves. He knows that he cannot do the job himself. Nehemiah goes alone and recruits people on the spot. Style of Leadership Ezra Nehemiah

  32. What Made Ezra the Right Person for this Call?

  33. The 7 “P” Lessons • Ezra was Prepared - Lineage - Study • It takes time to prepare a leader: • - Moses • - Paul • - Jesus

  34. The 7 “P” Lessons • Ezra was Prayerful Ez 8:21; Pr 15:29; James 5:15 Example of Jesus 3. Ezra was Perceptive: ashamed to ask the king after claiming that he worshiped the only true God

  35. The 7 “P” Lessons • Ezra was Patient - Ezra had received everything he needed from the king, why didn’t he leave?

  36. The 7 “P” Lessons He did his research during the 3 days before departure. He found no Levites. • Teaching • Service of the Temple • Cleaning of the Temple

  37. The 7 “P” Lessons • Ezra was a Planner It was a four months’ journey but Ezra took the time to check on what he needed.

  38. The 7 “P” Lessons • Ezra was Practical. He knew that he could not do the job by himself. He needed some professional help. Cf. Visionary Leaders

  39. The 7 “P” Lessons • Ezra was Providentiallyaware The hand of the Lord was with him Ez 7:6b, 28; 8: 31

  40. The 7 “P” Lessons They left the camp 11 days later when: - all the choices were made - all the people were there Ezra spent 20% of his time in preparation.

  41. Ezra devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and taught its decrees and laws in Israel.

More Related