Passage
Ezra 10:1-44 (ESV)
Worship Him Who is Forever and Ever
Revelation 4:1-11
Key Verse: 4:11
Make a Covenant Before Our God
Date: Sep. 30, 2014
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 10:11
First, there is still hope for Israel (1-11). Ezra was not the only one who wept because of his people’s unfaithfulness. A large crowd gathered around him and also wept. Shekaniah believed there was still hope in God. He suggested sending away all the foreign women and their children. Ezra agreed and put the leaders under oath to carry this out. A national assembly was called. Anyone who failed to appear would be expelled. The people all gathered and were greatly distressed because of the occasion and the rain. Ezra called on the people to honor the LORD and separate themselves from their foreign wives. Their destructive sin required radical repentance and commitment to God.
Second, we must do as you say (12-44). Most of the assembly agreed and was ready to repent. A few opposed. Within several months, they finished dealing with this. The priests’ descendants who had married foreign women were listed. The sin was widespread and because they were the spiritual leaders, their influence was particularly bad.
Prayer: Lord, please raise spiritual leaders who are fully devoted to you and obey you. Give us a repentant and humble heart.
One Word: Repent for there is still hope in God
