MEMORY SCRIPTURE
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. (Ezra 7:10).
God shaped Ezra and Nehemiah into leaders of restoration. This shows His divine ability.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. May 26: Lead With Sensitive, And Smart Heart (Ezra 8:15)
Tue. May 27: Seek Wisdom: God’s Guidance Imparts (Ezra 8:16)
Wed. May 28: Understand Your Crew: And Their Parts (Ezra 8:17a)
Thur. May 29: Persuade With Truth: Let It Start (Ezra 8:17b)
Fri. May: 30: Pray Earnestly From The Heart (Ezra 8:18-20)
Sat. May. 31: Believe In Cleansing: Never Depart (Ezra 8:21-23)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGH
The most effective instrument that a leader can employ in building god disciples and his leadership role is the Word of God.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Ezra 7:1-10; Nehemiah 1:1-11 -2:1-8
We praise God for the previous lesson, “MORDECAI GUIDES ESTHER IN BECOMING A GODLY LEADER,” which taught us about God’s purposeful guidance in preparing Mordecai to mentor Esther for her role as queen and to save His people from destruction.
Today, our focus shifts to “GOD PREPARES EZRA AND NEHEMIAH FOR RESTORATION LEADERSHIP.” Through the lives of Ezra and Nehemiah shall learn how God equips His servants for leadership, guiding them reveal His will through His Word. Ezra and Nehemiah exemplified commitment to following God’s directives in their leadership and ministry. As leaders today, we are called to lead God’s people in accordance with His will, way and purpose alone. May we uphold this responsibility faithful Jesus’ name. Amen.
LESSON OUTLINE
- EZRA’S PREPARATION
- NEHEMIAH’S PREPARATION
LESSON EXPOSITION
EZRA’S PREPARATION (Ezra 7:1-10)
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it ” to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel
(V.10).
a) vv. 1-5: Ezra’s divine call and lineage. Ezra hailed from a Priestley lineage, setting him for leadership. God’s choice of lineage often signifies a divine call to leadership (cf. Exod 28:1; Num. 16:3).
b) vv. 6,9; the hand of the Lord his God was upon him (divine presence and anointing), hence his uniqueness (v. 10; cf. Gen 39:2-3; 1 Sam 18:14; Acts 7:9-10; 9:31; 2 Tim. 4:17). Anointing is essential leaders fulfilment (1 Sam. 16:13; Isa. 61:1).
c) v.6: God helped him to be a teacher who knew the Law of Moses very well(ERV). What a great quality essential for restoration leadership!
d) v.10: God enabled Ezra to prepare his heart to seek and obey His Law, granting him deep understanding. This is essential for effective feadership (Prov. 4:23).
e) v.6: Despite being in a foreign land, he devoted himself to studying and obeying God’s Word. Devotion to God’s Word is central for effective leadership and restoration (Jos. 1:8; Psa. 119:105).
f) 8-9: Despite his status, Ezra willingly sacrificed his position to serve God’s people. Sacrificial service is fundamental for restoration leadership (Mk. 10:45; Php. 2:3-4).
g) v. 10: He showed he was ready to lead and teach God’s laws. Willingness is highly important for leaders chosen by God (Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:2). Leaders must prioritise God’s will and statutes for restoration and spiritual growth (Deut. 6:6-7; Jas. 1:22-25).
NEHEMIAH’S PREPARATION (Neh. 1:1-11-2:1-8)
And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me
(Neh. 2:8).
a) 1:1: 2:8: Nehemiah’s humble service in the palace positioned him for divine assignment, aligning his heart with God’s favour, driven by his deep concern for Jerusalem (Psa. 90:17; Prov. 21:1).
b) 1:2-4: Nehemiah’s deep concern for Jerusalem’s welfare led to an empathetic response. This shows the heart of a godly leader (Rom. 12:15).
c) v. 3-4,5-9: Nehemiah’s response to the city’s distress displayed empathy and grief, leading him to fervent prayer for God’s intervention (cf. Rom. 12:15;Jas. 5:16).
d) v.5-11: Nehemiah’s fervent intercessory prayer acknowledged God’s sovereignty, seeking His favour and aligning with His will (cf. Jas. 4:10).
e) 2:1-2,4-8: Despite his sorrow, Nehemiah found favour with the king and was encouraged by divine intervention. God helped him to secure approval for his plans (cf. Psa. 20:4; Prov. 16:7; 22:11). This enhanced his position to fuifil his mission.
f) 2:3,8: Nehemiah’s reverence for heritage and acknowledgment of Cod’s hand in his success reflected his reliance on God’s promises (cf. Mal.4:6; Jas. 1:17).
LESSONS DERIVED
- Teaching God’s love and Laws leads to true repentance, confession and transformation for God’s glory
- Nehemiah prayed. planned and acted swiftlr for his restoration.showing prayeralongside planning and action people
QUESTIONS
- Do we have leaders today hike Nehemiah who can stand in the gap for the people?
- Why do we have leaders today who fail to pray and plan before acting? What are the consequences of this neglect?
