I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end.
I Am Found In You
by
Steven Curtis Chapman
While Ezra was praying and confesing, 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 NIV
The Israelites had begun to follow other gods. They had forsaken the teachings they knew and watered down their faith. Ezra, a strong man of God, was heartbroken. Ezra knew that without God; the Holy, One and Only, True, Living, Creator God, the people would perish. He suspected that a generation would be lost because of the sins of the day. He was concerned about the future for his nation. He mourned for the loss of love his people (many of which were his own family and friends) had for God. He desired to see revival in his land; to see the day when the people of God hunger and thirst for Him again.
Ezra's example; his public, bold, unashamed stance, made a difference! People began to share Ezra's heart. They joined him in his open display of brokenness. They came along side of Ezra in his appeal before God. Ezra's actions became a model by which others could repent. Ezra had sparked a spiritual awakening among the people.
I know, you are thinking "good Old Testament story, but what's in it for me today." (Is that pretty much it?) How could this story influence you?
Look around today! Read the newspaper. Watch TV. Listen to the music on the radio. Hear the conversations in the barber shop. Are the values and actions you see, hear and read about consistent with the word of God? Would God be proud? Are you?
What are you (we) doing about it? What does our response say to the rest of the world? As Christians, what message does the world receive by our life? Would we want people to follow us?
Be Ezra today! And get ready for a crowd!
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