Ezra 8-10 (By Rev. Deacon Margaret Friesen)

OBSERVATION

• As a prelude to this blog, why don’t you listen to Chris Barnes’ sermon for July 11, see staidanswinnipeg.ca – worship online July 11?
• Chapter 8 – As Chris mentioned, Ezra led the second wave of home-going to Jerusalem. There were approximately 88 families plus one Levitical (priestly) family. All the gold, silver and temple accessories were distributed among the leaders for safekeeping during the journey. The group of exiles then sacrificed burnt offerings to God before leaving.
• Chapter 9 – When they arrived in Jerusalem, the Jewish leaders told Joshua that the Jews already living there had not only married the non- Jewish people but had also accepted the foreign [false] gods. Ezra was very angry on God’s behalf and the men who had intermarried were told to set aside their non-Jewish wives and children, then to repent and return to the one true God.
• Ezra confessed on behalf of the people who had sinned, and then the people also confessed their sin, weeping and falling prostrate before God. The assembly of exiles then agreed to a plan for the repentant leaders to make restitution and be returned to good standing in the assembly.

 
INTERPRETATION
I don’t believe there is much here to interpret except to try to understand what God would say to us today. I think that something to consider is that when our lives and the lives of our families are embedded in a sinful culture, it will take some careful thought and planning on how to eradicate the opportunities for sin. Perhaps this is one of the occasions where Jesus would say to us – Consider the cost before you come to follow me—compare with the story of the rich young ruler (Matt 19:16-24).
 
QUESTION
Have I closed all the open pathways that lead me to sin against God? In other words, is there anything I’m still involved in that leads me away from God?
 
PRAYER
Search me oh God and see if there be any wicked way in me? Then lead me in the way everlasting (Ps.139:23-24).
 
SONG
Search me oh God