How can we apply the diligence of the elders in our church today? Setting the Scene: Ezra 6:14 “So the elders of the Jews continued building and prospered under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished the building according to the command of the God of Israel and by the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.” Key Observations on Their Diligence • They stayed “continued building,” refusing to be sidetracked by opposition (Ezra 5–6). • Their progress was tied to submission to “the command of the God of Israel.” • They welcomed prophetic encouragement—Haggai and Zechariah’s messages fueled perseverance (Haggai 1:13; Zechariah 4:6–10). • They honored civil authority without compromising obedience to God (Romans 13:1–2 fits here). • Their diligence produced a completed temple, bringing tangible glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Translating Their Diligence into Today’s Church 1. Steadfast Commitment to God’s Blueprint • Elders shepherd “according to the will of God” (1 Peter 5:2). • Regularly realign plans and ministries with clear biblical mandates—worship, disciple-making, compassionate outreach. 2. Dependence on the Word and the Spirit • The elders of Ezra’s day prospered under preaching; today’s leaders likewise prioritize expository teaching (2 Timothy 4:2). • “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6) keeps ministry from drifting into mere human effort. 3. Perseverance amid Pressure • Opposition came externally (Persian bureaucracy) and internally (weariness). • Modern parallels: cultural hostility, congregational fatigue. Acts 20:28 encourages vigilant, long-haul oversight of the flock. 4. Cooperative Harmony with Legitimate Authority • Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes illustrate God working through secular leaders. • Elders today honor lawful government unless commanded to disobey God (Acts 5:29). Practical Steps for Modern Eldership • Schedule regular elder meetings devoted first to Scripture and prayer before logistics (Acts 6:4). • Set measurable, God-centered goals—e.g., every member discipled, unreached neighbors evangelized. • Rotate preaching and teaching labs among elders to sharpen doctrinal clarity (2 Timothy 2:15). • Pair each elder with a younger leader in intentional mentorship (2 Timothy 2:2). • Conduct annual reviews of ministry priorities against passages such as Titus 1:5–9 and 1 Timothy 3:1–7. • Model transparency by sharing personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness in the face of trials (James 5:16). Encouragement for the Whole Body • Pray regularly for your elders (Hebrews 13:17–18). • Offer practical support—administrative help, hospitality, words of affirmation. • Embrace shared ministry; diligent elders equip saints “for works of ministry” (Ephesians 4:11–12). • Celebrate milestones—baptisms, mission launches—as the completion stones that mirror Ezra’s finished temple. As the elders of Jerusalem’s return set their hearts to complete God’s house, so today’s church flourishes when its leaders and members labor together with the same Scripture-anchored diligence. |
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