An Unshakable Foundation

Building on an Unshakable Foundation

“I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears
my words and puts them into practice.” - Luke 6:47

Even good leaders have a need for sound advice at times. They don't always have all of the answers. They actually have to get them from somewhere. Many turn to those who have gone before them to get advice on how to handle various situations. Even though we can get good, sound advice from our peers, good leaders also need to turn to the one true Master of everything – God Himself. Jesus is speaking here in Luke 6:47 of those who “come” to Him and “hear” His words....now, I want you to notice the key phrase at the close of this verse...”and puts them into practice.” We must put into practice what we learn from the teachings of Jesus if we are going to be an effective leader.

“He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and
laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent
struck that house but could not shake it, because it was
well-built.” - Luke 6:48

Jesus had a unique way of getting his simplest messages across to His listener. He used imagery that was common to the geographical area He was ministering in. Good teachers and leaders look for effective ways to connect with those under their leadership just like Jesus.

During the time we were taking folks through our Teaching a Bible Lesson series, we had many attendees continually ask, “What's next?” There was an obvious hunger for more material that the average lay person in the church could use to better understand their role – and to make him/her more effective.

After much prayer, God led us to the Old Testament book of Ezra. Our ministry had already been influenced by Ezra 7:10 alone, so we began to dig into this rich old book, beginning with Ezra 1:1. There are various elements of leadership woven throughout this incredible book that all of us can learn from. We can learn how to lead effectively, and we can learn of the pitfalls of poor leadership. It's all spelled out in these ten chapters. Hollywood doesn't have anything on God when it comes to plot and resolution of conflict!

“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” - Ezra 7:10

After about six months of study, we knew we had found a real treasure, neatly tucked away between 2 Chronicles and Nehemiah. You've got to read this book! It is incredible!

For us, the timing of reading Ezra was very special because we had just moved into an abandoned office building. As we worked on the interior of the building, I was reminded of what the Israelites were going through as they attempted to rebuild the temple. I personally drew a lot of parallels between our own journey with Center Cross Creative and the restoration of Israel as detailed in the book of Ezra. God had special blessings in each task we performed over those six months and we now have offices that we can be very proud of. We did our work “as unto the Lord”.

Even though Ezra doesn't come onto the scene until chapter seven, there are numerous instances in the next four chapters that reveal the reason for Ezra's effectiveness in leading the people.

“...the hand of the Lord his God was on him.” - Ezra 7:6

We should have the deep desire for the same to be said of us that was said of Ezra here in Ezra 7:6. We are no use to God unless we allow His hand of provision and protection to rest upon us as His servants.

Ezra encountered various people groups who were in opposition to he and the Israelites as they attempted to rebuild the temple. We will also face opposition as we attempt to serve the Lord effectively. That is why the great apostle Paul warns us in II Corinthians 13:5 to “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves......” Would you pass the test?