Today’s daily devotional is on Ezra 10, the final chapter of the Book of Ezra, captures a pivotal moment in biblical history where Ezra’s leadership inspires others to turn back to God. His unwavering commitment to biblical principles led the people of Israel to recognize their sin and take responsibility for their actions, despite the personal cost. This reflection on Ezra’s leadership serves as a powerful example for us today. Are we, like Ezra, willing to stand firm on God’s Word, even when it’s difficult? By exploring key insights from personal Bible journals and the Twelve Practical Principles of Leadership, this article challenges us to lead with conviction, act with courage, and encourage others to follow God in obedience. To read about God’s reaction to sin, read they daily devotional on Ezra 9.
Ezra 10 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
Ezra 10 is the final chapter of the Book of Ezra. Ezra takes a stand. People see his commitment and follow his lead. As you lead, do people willingly follow? Are you contagious? Please read or listen to Ezra 10.
What Is the Book of Ezra Chapter 10 About?
Concerning Ezra 10, let’s look at my personal Bible reading journals one last time from 1995, 2009, and 2015. In 1995, I wrote, “Leadership catches on. Ezra’s weeping led to others weeping and confessing too. ‘Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous and act’ (v. 4 NASB). (That’s leadership.) Leadership forced accountability. The people then recognize their personal responsibility and their guilt and acted.”
What Are the Lessons of Ezra 10?
In 2009, I wrote, “Because the people were hearing God’s Word, they agreed with Ezra it was wrong and decided to fix it. Undoing marriages and families seems harsh. Undoing sin may be difficult, but at some point, we need to repent and unravel our sinful behavior to line up with God’s Word. It wasn’t easy for Jews in Ezra’s day, and it is not easy for us either.”
What Did God Say about Intermarriage?
In 2015, I read Ezra 9 and 10 on the same day. I read this journal entry yesterday, but I will repeat it today. “Sinful behavior enters into a people and becomes so entwined it is hard to reverse it. Intermarriage is a tough example. So is abortion or rampant divorce today. In Ezra’s day, people had to separate from wives and children to end the reproach on Israel. Not an easy remedy. In our day, the remedy would be just as extreme. They were willing. Are we?”
Why Was Ezra so Important?
One man, Ezra, the scribe and priest, took a stand against immorality. His stand was noticed by others. Finally, everyone agreed to remedy the situation. It was not easy for Ezra to stand on biblical principles. It is not easy for us to do so today. May we be encouraged, may we be empowered, by the example of Ezra.
What Is the Biblical Standard of Leadership?
We conclude our study in the Book of Ezra by reading the conclusion in Twelve Practical Principles of Leadership According to Ezra:
We have examined twelve practical principles of leadership to live and lead by according to the Book of Ezra. The twelve principles were practiced in the life of Ezra, the scribe and the priest, as he tackled the difficult task of leading a nation back to God. Like Ezra, your name will end up in God’s record book.
O, you may not have a book of the Bible named after you, but God is keeping a record book. He is watching you operate your life, your family, your business, your ministry. What is He seeing? Where will your name appear?
Will your name be on the list of those who helped rebuild God’s kingdom here on earth like Ezra 2 and Ezra 8? Will you be named on the list of those who trespass against God, compromise with the world in Ezra 10:2, but finally turn from your trespasses to follow God in obedience (Ezra 10:11-12, 19)? Will you be named on the list of those who led your circle of influence away from God or to God?
Operate within the twelve practical principles of leadership found in the Book of Ezra and you will find favor with God:
1) Operate in God’s timing
2) Operate with God’s chosen helpers
3) Operate within God’s priorities
4) Operate with God’s provision
5) Operate despite the enemy
6) Operate with help from your friends
7) Celebrate victory
8) Operate within God’s preparation
9) Operate with God’s protection
10) Operate with delegation
11) Operate with good records
12) Operate in obedience
God is looking for Ezras today, those who will study the Law of the Lord, do it, and share it with others. “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (7:10 NKJV).
What Does Spiritual Leadership Look Like?
By following the twelve practical principles of leadership found in the Book of Ezra, you can demonstrate spiritual leadership in your business, family, and private life. Doing so fulfills God’s call to study the Law of the Lord, do it, and share it with others. May God’s favor find you as you become a 21st century Ezra.
If you want a copy of Twelve Practical Principles of Leadership According to Ezra, visit ezraproject.net, resources, and order one today.
Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the powerful example of the priest and scribe, Ezra. He came out of captivity in Babylon back to Jerusalem with the Book of the Law in his hand. He was committed to studying Your Word, practicing it, and sharing it with others.
He was also willing to take a hard stand for You, and because he did, others followed. May we be willing to be 21st century Ezra’s today, committed to study Your Word, do it, and share it with others, and take a hard stand when, and if, necessary. Thank You for strengthening us through the Book of Ezra. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
