The Vital Need for Preparation for Ministry

Ezra 7:8-10 tell us some vital truths about how ministry works. These principles would apply to music ministry, as well as any other type of ministry. The verses explain the need for preparation.

The book of Ezra is set against the backdrop of the captivity of the Israelites. For decades they were without a temple, exiled from their homeland. Finally they returned to their promised land.

Ezra 7:8 says that Ezra came to Jerusalem. The following passage tells how long it took. Verse 9 also says that this success happened because the good hand of God was upon Ezra. Verse 10 says God’s hand was on him because he had prepared himself. Ezra prepared himself by setting his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach.

This is an example for all of us. What ministry has the Lord given you? Have you set your heart to study? Have you set your heart to apply what you learn? Have you set your heart to serve others, not yourself, with your ministry. A long time passed, then finally Ezra’s ministry came to fruition. May each of us take the long view and serve the Lord, first by diligent preparation.