Through the Bible: EzraSample

Responding to Sin 

Then [Ezra] … spent the night there grieving over the unfaithfulness of the exiles. He did not eat or drink anything … On the twentieth day of the ninth month, all the men living in the territory of Judah and Benjamin came to Jerusalem and assembled in the temple square … Ezra the priest stood up and spoke to them. He said, “You have been faithless and have brought guilt on Israel by marrying foreign women. Now then, confess your sins to the Lord, the God of your ancestors, and do what pleases him.”  

Ezra 10:6, 9-11, (shortened) (GNT)

After returning from Babylonian exile, many Israelites had forgotten the Lord. Ezra the priest carefully re-taught them how to worship and rebuilt the Temple. However, he discovered much sin among a number of Israelites in connection with their marriage to foreign women, who brought idolatrous practices into the community. The Lord had warned against such unions. 

How does Ezra respond? First, he grieves. When he sees the people separated from the Lord through sin, he feels no sense of superiority, only sadness. Second, he organises a special assembly to confront their sin. Third, he follows through with the families with foreign wives to see if they have chosen to change their ways. 

Our response to sin should be like Ezra. Grieve, because sin breaks God’s heart, as well as the hearts of others (eventually). Confrontation that leads to confession is important – no good to ignore it. Finally, repentance is changing our mind, heart, and actions. With Christ in us, all this is possible! 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Help us see sin in its truly ugly form, and enable us to overcome in Jesus’ name! Amen.