Today’s Reading: Ezra 9-10

EZRA LED THE PEOPLE IN THE CONFESSION OF THEIR SINS

Just as Ezra was able to ask for provision and protection for his people, he was also willing to humble himself and confess on behalf of the people. When Ezra arrived in Jerusalem, he found they had done exactly what God had told them NOT to do — they had married women from other nations who served false gods. Ezra could have washed his hands of all this sin and stood back in self-righteousness for he had not disobeyed God. Instead he tore his clothes, fell to his knees and lifted his hands to the Lord praying:

“O my God, I am utterly ashamed; I blush to lift up my face to you. For our sins are piled higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens…once again we have abandoned your commands!…O Lord, God of Israel, you are just. We come before you in our guilt as nothing but an escaped remnant, though in such a condition none of us can stand in your presence.” – Ezra 9:6,10b,15

Ezra led those around him in the study of God’s word.
Ezra led those around him in prayer and fasting.
Ezra led those around him in the journey God had called them to.

But here is where I am overwhelmed by the humble actions of this man of God:
Ezra led his nation and his people in confession of their sins. He took the sins of the nation upon himself, taking responsibility for their sins and stepping into God’s presence in repentance of such sin, even though he himself had not disobeyed God in this way. This reminds me of how Jesus, who was without sin, was willing to die for our sins.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – Hebrews 4:14-16

Let US approach the throne of grace so that WE may receive mercy and find grace to help US in our time of need. There is power in the unified voice of a community of believers who chooses to humbly confess together on behalf of the whole church.

While Ezra was praying and confessing, weeping and throwing himself down before the house of God, a large crowd of Israelites—men, women and children—gathered around him. They too wept bitterly. – Ezra 10:1

We sin as individuals and we go before God, humbly asking for His forgiveness. We sin as a family or as a church or group of people and we humbly pray for mercy. We sin as a nation and the appropriate thing to do is still to humble ourselves, fall on our knees in mourning and beg the Almighty God of Justice to have compassion on us and forgive us as a nation. Oh God, hear our prayers!!!

I WANT TO BE AN EZRA-LIKE LEADER!

I want to be like Ezra. What about you? Let’s join our voices together today and repent for the sins of our family, of our church, of our community and of our culture. Lord, forgive us for the many times we step out of your plan and disobey as individuals, as congregations and as a nation. Lord, give us mercy and grace in our time of need. Hear our cry for forgiveness and show us your grace and your mercy. Give us the courage to stand strong and give us the humility to bow in unison. We pray this in your holy name, Amen.