The stain of the people’s sin of intermarrying with the pagan people of the land hit Ezra hard. When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled (3). Appalled is a strong word!
He abased himself all day until the evening sacrifice and then he fell on his face before the Lord in prayer and confession.
I wondered, why am I not as deeply appalled by the sin of God’s people today? Why do I say little or nothing about the lack of faith in God’s church? The abortion rate and divorce rate is statistically the same for Christians as non-Christians. We are so much like the people of the world; we are virtually indistinguishable. How can that be???
As I sit, I wonder how different am I.
I think it was Lloyd Ogilvie who first said, “If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you”? I wonder would I be convicted.
Ezra’s jealousy for the Lord shames me…
Oh, God, forgive me, wretched sinner that I am. Through Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
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