Read: Ezra 8:21-9:15; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 21:1-2
Ezra proclaimed a fast for all the returning Jews to Jerusalem. They were carrying tons of gold and silver with them and would be traveling through dangerous territory known for outlaws and thieves, but to ask for a protection from the king would be to doubt the power of God to protect them. So they left laden with goods trusting in the power of God to watch over them. They arrived Jerusalem with all their goods accounted for.
After unloading all their offerings in the temple, Ezra learned that some of the Jews had unmarried with wives from races God had told them not to. Ezra was distraught and cried out to the Lord for the sins of his people.
These wives represent the things that we allow into our heart that are not godly or good for us. They will produce bad fruit in our lives.
They were having the same problem in the church in Corinth. Sexual sin had polluted their hearts also. They had no guilt till Paul pointed out their sin just like Ezra did. Both of them had to remove the sin from their midst. Paul and Ezra knew that a little sin would affect the whole group so they had to take it out.
Lord, help us to get rid of the unholy things we allow in our lives that reproduce bad fruit. Psalm describe them as traps that are set for us, but God is our refuge; may we find your way of escape.
No comments:
Post a Comment