Courage and the Goodness of God
Renew
June 28, 2020
Rev. Tim Sharpe
In Ezra 7, a Godly scribe empowered by a royal decree courageously leads a movement to realign Israel around God's word and worship, demonstrating that true leadership is rooted in knowledge and obedience to Scripture, pointing believers to Christ and challenging them to overcome the obstacles that keep them from following God's call.
Summary
As part of the series 'How God Brings Restoration,' Ezra arrives in Jerusalem in the seventh year of Artaxerxes as a skilled scribe of the law, authorized by the king to lead willing Israelites back; his genealogy and credentials mark him as a worthy leader, but his primary qualification is his knowledge and faithful teaching of God's law. Ezra's courage to begin renewal highlights the need for bold partnership locally and globally in the gospel mission. The passage also draws striking parallels between Ezra and Jesus—both centered on Scripture and reestablishing faithful devotion—and concludes with a sober reminder that opposition (even royal threat of punishment) and personal obstacles can keep people from responding to God's call.
Key Points
- Context: Part of 'How God Brings Restoration'—Ezra calls the people to renewed devotion to God's word and worship.
- Historical detail: Ezra arrives in Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes, a scribe skilled in the law of Moses with a royal decree to lead willing Israelites.
- Courage: Ezra took courage to start a work of renewal, a model for stepping into new partnerships for the gospel.
- Qualifications: Ezra's genealogy gave him standing, but his primary qualification was knowing and teaching God's law and calling for faithful obedience.
- Christ parallel: Ezra's emphasis on Scripture and faithful leadership points to Jesus as the ultimate leader to know and follow.
- Challenge: Authority enforced compliance in the passage; believers are asked to identify what obstacles (internal or external) keep them from following God's call.
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