Old Testament Leadership Principle
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Ezra Principle: Prayer and faith are strong tools against all opposition. Key Verse: Ezra 8:22 stated “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power his wrath is against all who forsake him.” Explanation/Illustration of the Principle Ezra was a scribe and spiritual leader that taught the Hebrew people to trust the word of the Lord and have faith. Ezra believed in the power of prayer and faith. When Ezra journeyed from Babylon to Jerusalem he prayed for a safe journey for his children, goods, followers and himself. This illustrates the leadership that Ezra had over others. Ezra’s followers trusted him enough to lead them to Jerusalem with no security but faith in the Lord’s protection. Trust is important in leadership because people won’t follow leaders they don’t trust. 8 Ezra had stated that he was ashamed to ask the King for protection since he had already told the King “the hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power his wrath is against all who forsake him”Ezra 8:22. Ezra prayed for protection and God provided it to him. In today’s world most of our leaders lead by sight and not by faith. Imagine if the President asked every American to pray for a resolution about the economic situation or the battle on terrorism. Many critics would proclaim him to be a religious fanatic. A true leader must (1) put others needs before themselves, (2) are willing to make sacrifices and take chances as a leader, (3) stand for something they truly believe in and have faith. A simple prayer for God’s help can often turn a bad situation good. I am not saying that prayers alone will help our economic situation in the country, Ezra not only had prayers but too 8
Aubrey Malphurs. Being Leaders: The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2003),50.