Restoration: A Study in EzraSample

What does it say?

Ezra hears of the people’s disobedience regarding intermarriage with pagans. Grieved and distressed by what he heard, Ezra turned to the Lord in prayer.

What does it mean?

The law of God prohibited the Israelites from intermarriage with pagans (Deut. 7). Marriage is an intimate relationship. The husband and wife’s religious beliefs, morals, and values greatly influence their children. Marriage to women from nations that practiced idol worship would have lasting effects on Israel’s present families and future generations. It also put them in a dangerous position because intermarriage with pagans violated God’s law. Ezra understood the devastating consequences of breaking the Lord’s clear commands. Once again, the future of the nation was in God’s hands.

How should I respond?

It’s easy to think we can dabble in sin every once in a while without consequence, but this kind of thinking is dangerous. One sin inevitably leads to another and dulls the conscience. Before you know it, one act of compromise has pulled you into a lifestyle of sin. God’s warnings are His protection from sin and its consequences. What temptations are you currently facing? Have you resisted, or have you dabbled? Ask the Lord to show you any areas in which you’ve compromised. Then seek His forgiveness and turn away from the sin before being caught in a cycle of disobedience.