But Even Now There Is Hope

    Discovering the depth of one’s own sinfulness is inevitably a devastating experience that has driven some to despair and even suicide (Judas – Matthew 27.5). It has led others, however, to weep and return to God as humbled servants (like Peter: Luke 22.32, 1 Peter 1.13). One such example is found in Ezra 10. Ezra the priest had led a group of Jewish exiles out of Persia and back to their homeland in about 458 B.C. Upon arriving in Judah, Ezra soon discovered that some of the exiles who emigrated before him had made a dreadful mistake. They had married foreign women, transgressing a strict command of the law (Deuteronomy 7.3)! As Ezra tried to absorb this appalling news, he was encouraged to help the people, for “even now there is hope for Israel in spite of this” (Ezra 10.2). Let’s notice how the people reunited with God.

1) The exiles were profoundly sorrowful. While Ezra was praying and weeping, a “very great assembly” gathered, “wept bitterly” because of their sin (Ezra 10.1), and trembled in the heavy rain (Ezra 10.9). Because their hearts were tender, they were receptive to Ezra’s radical command to separate from their foreign wives and children. Only the deepest sorrow over sin could compel them to take such drastic measures. When you and I discover sins that we are (in a sense) married to, we’ll require much godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7.10) before we’re willing to take extreme steps. Do you have the kind of profound remorse for your sins that these Jews did?

2) The exiles made vows to change. It’s one thing to vaguely desire a change in lifestyle. It is something else to make vows before witnesses and actually commit to taking specific, drastic measures to effect change. Ezra compelled the Jews around him to make a covenant with God to put away their families. What is your plan for fighting your sins? Have you considered confessing and making promises in the presence of other Christians close to you, so that your progress can be held accountable? In 1 Timothy 6.12, Paul encouraged reminded Timothy that he made a “good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

3) The changes were diligently enacted. When sin in your life is uncovered, how quickly do you act to address it? Ezra quickly sent out a proclamation to the people, ordering them to come to Jerusalem within three days. Ezra was then told by the gathered assembly that correcting the situation could not happen overnight (Ezra 10.13). It would eventually take about three months for the elders and judges to sort through the people and help them separate from their families. Perhaps you know there are changes that need to make in your lifestyle and attitude, yet you know, like those Jews did, that it won’t be the work of one or two days. Don’t despair! Follow their example of diligence and push forward, motivated by your hope in God’s ability to change you.

Nathan