December 11, 2010
Ezra arrives at Jerusalem only to discover that the exiles who returned had not kept themselves separate from the people surrounding them. Ezra was upset, angry, and in shock. He could not believe that the Israelites had again violated God's word. He fell on his knees before God, crying out to him in prayer. Because Ezra was right with God, (a man who not only knew the commands of God given through Moses, but followed them as well), he could clearly see what the sins of the Israelites were, and he cried out to the LORD for them. "I'm too ashamed and embarrassed to (come) to you... our sins are so many... because of our sins... we have been punished... foreign kings have taken away our things and shamed us... but you've given us hope... you haven't left us... you've given us a wall to protect us... but look what we've done! We've disobeyed your commands, the land is ruined, the people living there have spoiled it by their evil. You said we should keep ourselves separate and not wish for their peace or success, but we didn't listen, so what is happening to us is our own fault." Ezra continues praying in first person, even though he himself was not guilty of any of these actions. "We have done evil things and our guilt is great.But you God have punished us less than we deserve." Those that agreed with Ezra joined him. Then Shecaniah speaks up and says, "There is still hope." Now let's make an agreement with God to do the right thing and separate ourselves from the sin. Ezra, you're in charge! Get up! Have courage and do it! We will support you.
So Ezra got up and put the plan in action. He ordered all the captives who had returned to meet together in Jerusalem. Anyone who did not come within three days would lose his property and would no longer be a member of the community of the returned captives.
They came. Many of them were complaining, but they came. Ezra told them, "You have been unfaithful... You are guilty. Now confess it to the LORD... do his will and separate yourselves..." The people (all except for a few) responded that he was right. Ezra and the leaders put a plan together and the Israelites were separated from the sin and evil around them.
Next Entry: Nehemiah 1:1 – 2:10
Ezra arrives at Jerusalem only to discover that the exiles who returned had not kept themselves separate from the people surrounding them. Ezra was upset, angry, and in shock. He could not believe that the Israelites had again violated God's word. He fell on his knees before God, crying out to him in prayer. Because Ezra was right with God, (a man who not only knew the commands of God given through Moses, but followed them as well), he could clearly see what the sins of the Israelites were, and he cried out to the LORD for them. "I'm too ashamed and embarrassed to (come) to you... our sins are so many... because of our sins... we have been punished... foreign kings have taken away our things and shamed us... but you've given us hope... you haven't left us... you've given us a wall to protect us... but look what we've done! We've disobeyed your commands, the land is ruined, the people living there have spoiled it by their evil. You said we should keep ourselves separate and not wish for their peace or success, but we didn't listen, so what is happening to us is our own fault." Ezra continues praying in first person, even though he himself was not guilty of any of these actions. "We have done evil things and our guilt is great.But you God have punished us less than we deserve." Those that agreed with Ezra joined him. Then Shecaniah speaks up and says, "There is still hope." Now let's make an agreement with God to do the right thing and separate ourselves from the sin. Ezra, you're in charge! Get up! Have courage and do it! We will support you.
So Ezra got up and put the plan in action. He ordered all the captives who had returned to meet together in Jerusalem. Anyone who did not come within three days would lose his property and would no longer be a member of the community of the returned captives.
They came. Many of them were complaining, but they came. Ezra told them, "You have been unfaithful... You are guilty. Now confess it to the LORD... do his will and separate yourselves..." The people (all except for a few) responded that he was right. Ezra and the leaders put a plan together and the Israelites were separated from the sin and evil around them.
"Holiness produces humility of heart. Grace is then applied to the heart of humility... God's glory is only manifest, however, to the heart that has taken off its mask. We must come to the chamber of prayer with humility, honesty, and transparency." ~ Sammy TippitRepentance comes before forgiveness. God wants to forgive. But He also wants honesty and acceptance (our acknowledgement) of where we have sinned. Not just a cursory, "Please forgive me from all my sins." No, what God wants is true repentance. LORD, forgive me for ________. We need to be specific. Being specific shows repentance. It's owning up to your actions, accepting responsibility for them, and seeking God's forgiveness for your actions. True. Sincere. Honest.
Next Entry: Nehemiah 1:1 – 2:10
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