The book of Ezra and Nehemiah talk about the returning of the Jews to Jerusalem. These two men were responsible for the restoration of the city; Nehemiah physically, and Ezra spiritually. In the book of Ezra we read about the people who have returned to Jerusalem and the sacrifices that they offered to God, there must have been great joy in that moment – well done Ezra.

Then in chapter 9 we read the following.

After these things had been done, the leaders came to me and said, “The people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices, like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians and Amorites. They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness.”Ezra 9:1-2

AHHHH!

Just when you think they are getting somewhere the people get involved in stuff that they shouldn’t be doing and even worse Ezra finds out that his leaders are the ones leading the way, rather than being the ones who are stopping it. We find out pretty soon how distraught Ezra is at hearing this news.

When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled. Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of this unfaithfulness of the exiles. And I sat there appalled until the evening sacrifice. Ezra 9:3-4

Man, I can feel Ezra’s pain.

There is nothing worse when you have laid everything on the line, when you have taken huge risks and thrown everything at it only for people, and even worse leaders, to throw it back in your face because they couldn’t behave. It’s a devastating feeling, one of those things that leave you feeling sick to your stomach. I’m thankful that this hasn’t been a common occurrence in my leadrhspi life but on the rare occasions where I have experienced this it has been the worst feeling.

Once again it underlines the importance of character and integrity within our leadership teams. Gifting and talent are super helpful but if they aren’t undergirded by character then we are at a loss before we get started.

If you are a leader who is struggling with the leaders around you and the choices they have made I am so sorry that you are experiencing that. I pray that God will do justice in those moments and that He brings leaders of outstanding character around you.