I remember him primarily for his commitment to the teaching of the law - Ezr 7:10(ESV) 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 - and am convinced that is the foundation of true leadership. Many of us have focused solely on this aspect of teaching and omitted other requirements. It is not enough that you have the word, the rhema, and is an acclaimed teacher of the word. Other skills are necessary to be added for excellence in ministry.
I am not interested in being a leader. Just being a believer is enough for me
Ah, no matter what you say there is someone who at some time looks at you and takes a cue from you. Besides, these principles help you in all aspects of living. Learn from Ezra three important practices for success as a person and a leader. One: Ezr 8:15(ESV) I gathered them to the river that runs to Ahava, and there we camped three days. As I reviewed the people and the priests, I found there none of the sons of Levi.
So what is the principle here?
Inventory. We need to know how many are in our congregation, and so like the good shepherd we will be able to recognise if any is missing and search for them. The early church kept count. Act1:15(ESV) In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120). Also see Act4:4(ESV): But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. We also need to know the type of people we need for any work and determine if they are there with us. Moses who was before Ezra did so Num10:29(ESV) And Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law, “We are setting out for the place of which the LORD said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will do good to you, for the LORD has promised good to Israel.”…“Please do not leave us, for you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you will serve as eyes for us. Do you know your people’s trade? How can you pray well for them and teach them and deploy them in God’s service if not? We must also know the physical count of equipment and items God has blessed us to serve Him with 1Chr9:28(ESV) Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out.
Interesting. So what’s the second and third learning point?
We are not done with the first. Checklist. It is very spiritual to have a checklist of what needs to be done before embarking on a journey or procedure, even an outreach. Like Ezra, at a set time before you start, get through the list personally to determine the readiness for the journey, outreach or process
Did Jesus Christ practise such things?
Of course. Lk 22:8, 11-12(ESV) So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” Do likewise
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