A Remnant’s Remorse (Part 1)
One Year Bible (Aug.
Ezra 7:1-8:20
A Remnant’s Remorse (Part 1)
“I’m sorry, so sorry”.
How many songs have lyrics like this in them?
Probably, Not Enough.
How many prayers have these words in them?
Probably, Not Enough.
How many lives exemplify these words?
Probably, Not Enough.
It is interesting that every REVIVAL that has ever swept a nation began with prayer, brokenness, and remorse for sin. These were the essential stones for a sure foundation. They invited God’s presence to come and dwell with HIS people.
It was not about seeking “the supernatural”. It was about SEEKING “THE SUPERNATURAL!
It was not enough to “hold a prayer service” but to go beyond where God “HOLDS you in PRAYER and SERVICE.”
We have already studied Revival but now we will look at the principles that must SUSTAIN the purpose of REVIVAL…
Today’s study begins with a transition of leadership for the REMNANT of God.
There is about a fifty-eight-year gap between chapters 6 and 7. We don’t see or understand this when we read it. So, that is helpful to know. The book of Ezra tells of the return of God’s people from their exile in Babylon.
The first Jewish return took place shortly after Cyrus, the Persian conquered Babylon. Some 43,000 Jews returned, intent to build the Jerusalem Temple. This was the FIRST RETURN of the Exiles led by Zerubbabel found in Ezra 1-6. They ran into some opposition from semi-pagan people and it took about 18 years to complete their task of laying the foundation. Then the prophets Haggai and Zechariah became engaged and it was completed in four years.
Ezra chapter 7-10 records the return of The Second Remant with Ezra being a part of leading this group, and so today we are introduced to him. Ezra was of priestly ancestry and was an expert in exposition and application of the LAW.
His qualifications are laid out very clearly for us in 7:9-10, “For the hand of his God was on him. This was because Ezra had determined to STUDY and OBEY the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.”
Why was the hand of God upon Ezra’s life?
“For Ezra had DEVOTED himself to the STUDY and OBSERVANCE of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel’.
Ezra was just the man for the job as you will soon see. He reminded the people of all the important things. It is not enough to just “HEAR”. God wants “OBEDIENCE” and this can not happen when we do not know HIS teachings. God is HOLY and his people must be set-apart and holy before HIM.
In tomorrow’s reading, we will learn how Ezra begins his teachings with The Second Remnant that is returning, “I (Ezra) gave orders for all of us to FAST and HUMBLE OURSELVES BEFORE OUR GOD.”
Tomorrow, we will learn what they prayed for and how God uses this process to bring the people to a place that he can use them to REBUILD.
How often do we begin a new chapter in our lives by just making our own decisions?
I love the words, “For the hand of his God was on him” (7:9)
Can that be said of us today?
Is God’s hand on our family, our private inner world, our priorities, our spending, our decisions, our jobs, our friendships, our attitude, and our fears?
Perhaps Ezra’s reminder to us today is to “FAST and HUMBLE OURSELVES BEFORE OUR GOD.”
“Oh God, we come before you to tell you that we are sorry, so sorry. We grieve for the sins of our land, the selfishness of our hearts, and the self-centeredness of our ways. We bow before you to seek YOUR WAYS, YOUR WORD, and YOUR WILL for our lives. Please, give us YOUR heart. AMEN.”
