In today’s daily devotional, we explore three essential leadership principles from Ezra 8: operating with God’s protection, delegation, and good record-keeping. These principles not only guided Ezra on his journey from Babylon to Jerusalem but also serve as a model for our own leadership and spiritual walk. As you reflect on this passage, consider: Do you rely on God’s protection in your life? Are you able to delegate effectively, or do you struggle with control? Finally, are you diligent in maintaining good records, both in your work and personal life? Let Ezra’s example inspire you to grow in these areas as you seek God’s guidance. To discover why Ezra went to Jerusalem, read the daily devotional on Ezra 7.
Ezra 8 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
There are three leadership principles in Ezra 8. Operate with God’s protection, operate with delegation, and operate with good records. Do you practice all three in your life? Which one is a strength? Which one is a weakness? Please read or listen to Ezra 8.
What Is the Lesson Learned in Ezra 8?
In 1995, I wrote, “God is a God of detail. He knows us by name. No Levites among them so they could not go forward without pastors, those called of God to minister. ‘Bring ministers to us for the house of our God’ (v. 17 NASB). God brings men, all of them designated by name. And then they prayed for traveling mercies.”
In 2009, I wrote, “Before the journey, Ezra fasts and prays for safe travels. After all, they were loaded with silver, gold, money. They arrived safely after traveling some nine hundred miles on foot over four months.”
In 2015, I wrote, “He depended on the Lord for security and protection on the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. He fasted. And they humbled themselves before God to seek safety and God answered their prayer.”
What Is the Biblical Perspective on Leadership?
I find three practical principles of leadership out of this chapter in Twelve Practical Principles of Leadership According to Ezra. Let’s look at them.
What Is the Protection of God?
The first one is to operate under God’s protection. From the booklet:
We need God’s hand of protection not the worlds. Ezra had a problem. The king granted his request to head back to Jerusalem and gave him silver, gold, and riches. With all those riches, Ezra needed protection. He needed safety from bandits and robbers. After proclaiming the hand of God was upon him, he couldn’t ask the king for an escort.
Like Ezra, you need protection too. Do you look to the world or to the Lord? God is capable of protecting you and your stuff if you give Him the chance. Have you fasted lately or humbled yourself before God as you faced a challenging situation? Do you rely on the Lord who can protect you and all your possessions if you ask Him? Where does your help come from?
Do We Delegate Power or Authority?
Think about that principle as we move to the next one in this chapter, operate with delegation. From the booklet:
Even Jesus delegated to twelve apostles. Remember, He sent them out two by two to heal the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim the good news. We cannot do it alone, nor should we. Ezra had too much stuff to carry. He needed help so he shared the task with others. He delegated with specific accountability.
Are you hanging on too tight? Do you have trouble delegating? Do you need to maintain control? Are you the only one who can do it the right way? Can you trust others with your most prized possessions? What can you delegate to someone else so you can be more effective?
What Does the Bible Say about Keeping Good Records?
A third leadership principle out of Ezra 8 is to operate with good records. Again, from the booklet:
The Book of Ezra is a great example of accurate record-keeping. Ezra was a scribe; he was trained to be detail oriented. Scripture reminds us to “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40 NKJV).
Sometimes leaders have their heads so far in the sky they are no earthly good. They don’t want to be bothered with details. Ezra recorded and kept track of everything. It’s a sign of good leadership. Pay attention to the details.
Do you take time to monitor, record, and evaluate your progress? It’s been said if we keep doing what we’ve been doing, we will keep getting what we’ve been getting. What is out of control in your home or your business at the moment? What could you improve by taking some time for good record-keeping and attention to detail?
Three of the twelve practical principles of leadership I found in the Book of Ezra are found here in chapter 8. Pick the one you want to focus on today. Operate with God’s protection, operate with delegation, or operate with good records.
Prayer
Father, we come before You. We thank You for Your protection over ourselves personally and all the stuff we accumulate in our lives. Ezra needed an escort. He relied on You. We need protection. We also rely on You. And Lord, thank You for putting those around us who we can trust with our most prized possessions.
Lord, thank You in this chapter for Ezra’s example of good record-keeping. Ezra was a man of detail. You are a God of detail. Might we pay attention to the details in our lives.
We ask for Your blessing, Lord, as we operate within Your protection, operate within Your delegation, and operate with good records. We thank You for trusting us as we trust in You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.