Characteristics of a Spiritual Leader

Today's lesson centered on the book of Ezra, the spiritual leader of Israel who led God's people back to the Holy Land after their captivity in Babylon. We learned there are at least four recognizable characteristics of a spiritual leader.

• Devotion to the Word of the Lord--Ezra 7:10
• Faith in the Protection of the Lord
• Evidence of the Hand of the Lord--Ezra 7:6, 9, 28; 8:18, 31
• A healthy fear of the Lord--Ezra 9:1-4; 10:1-4

Devotion to the Word

A spiritual leader must devote himself to learning, obeying, and teaching God's word. All of us have someone who looks to us for spiritual guidance. Our children, coworkers, family members, and others observe our behavior, our responses to different situations. What they observe can lead them closer to Christ or farther from Christ. Sometimes we are observed without our knowledge, so we must always be aware that our actions, and reactions, can positively or negatively impact others' spiritual well-being.

Faith in the Protection of the Lord

Ezra proclaimed a fast to plead for the Lord's protection on the Israelites' journey. He refused to ask the King for protection in order to demonstrate his faith in God's ability to protect him. We too should demonstrate such faith when we find ourselves in difficult situations. Just as Ezra's caravan traveled through violent territory without being molested, God will protect us if we place our trust in Him.

Evidence of the Hand of the Lord

That the King was sympathetic to Ezra's pleas, and willing to allow the Israelites' return to the Promised Land, to permit them to rebuild the Temple and take with them all that had been removed when they were brought into captivity shows God working on their behalf. His protection on the journey was further evidence they were protected by Him. It's important that we give credit to the Lord for the blessings in our lives, and let Him work through us in our ministry so the world can see His greatness through us.

A Healthy Fear of the Lord

When Ezra was confronted with the sins of his people, he ripped his clothes and tore the hair from his head. He didn't "grin and bear it." He didn't worry himself with offending the sinners, but made clear that such behavior was displeasing to God and could not be accepted. Ezra humbled himself before God, confessing the sin. We too must be appalled by sin. We must not fear offending the sinner, but offending God by condoning the sin.