1. I’d Rather See A Sermon

5. Easy Eddie wanted to be a good example for his son, and was willing to do whatever it took to be just that. What do you think it takes to be a good role model and Godly leader?

9. Ezra 7:1-5 (VOICE) 7 1 More than 50 years had passed since the temple was completed by the first group of exiles, and Artaxerxes I was ruling Persia. Ezra (son of Seraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah, 2 son of Shallum, son of Zadok, son of Ahitub, 3 son of Amariah, son of Azariah, son of Meraioth, 4 son of Zerahiah, son of Uzzi, son of Bukki, 5 son of Abishua, son of Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the chief priest)—

14. What a heritage! The point stands in Scripture, that God’s blessing flows through family lines. So what lesson can we find in that?

16. 6-7 That’s Ezra. He arrived from Babylon, a scholar well-practiced in the Revelation of Moses that the G OD of Israel had given. Because G OD ’s hand was on Ezra, the king gave him everything he asked for. Some of the Israelites—priests, Levites, singers, temple security guards, and temple slaves—went with him to Jerusalem. It was in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king. (Message)

18. 8 Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in August of that year. 9 He had arranged to leave Babylon on April 8, the first day of the new year, and he arrived at Jerusalem on August 4, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. 10 This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the L ORD and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.

20. Why Ezra had the hand of God upon him (Ezra)?

21. Ezra Joined God In What He Was Already Doing. 9 …he arrived at Jerusalem on August 4, for the gracious hand of his God was on him.

22. Ezra Pursued a Relationship With God That Was Real and Personal 10 This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the L ORD and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.

23. “I Rather See A Sermon” I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way. The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear; Fine counsel is confusing, but example always clear; And the best of all preachers are the men, who live their creeds, For to see the good action is what everybody needs. I can soon learn how to do it if you’ll let me see it done, I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run. And the lectures you deliver may be wise and true; But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do. For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give, But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

24. References Ezra: The Leader -- Ralph Andrus Look Who Finally Showed Up -- Jim Drake The Puzzle Picture – Stephen Davey THE LIFE THAT GOD BLESSES – Steven Cole The Lord's Messenger -- Bruce Ferris ‘The Hand of God Was Upon Me’ – Terry Covey