DEALING WITH SIN IN THE NATIONAL AND PERSONAL LIVES OF GOD’S PEOPLE (EZRA 10)

Dear Members in Christ,

Dealing with sin in the national and personal lives of God’s people (Ezra 10)

We know that believers have their sins forgiven and sanctified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. However, as we read the Bible, we become increasingly aware that despite the sanctifying influence of God’s spirit, the people of God are subject to weaknesses in the flesh. They fall into sin and temptation. And as much as we hope and pray, God’s people do not live sinless, perfect lives. This was the situation Ezra found the nation of Israel when they had returned from the captivity. The Bible describes this, “…The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.” (Ezra 9:1).

What can be done? How can God’s servant Ezra handle this problem of sin amongst the people? This must have been a very deeply sorrowful and grievous frustration for Ezra. The passage from the book of Ezra chapter ten gives us a good lesson on how God guided His people to deal with sin when it is made known to them. It begins with the burden of sin, a sore heaviness which had a crushing effect upon the heart of Ezra, the servant of God.

“And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God.” Ezra 9:5

The Bible records how this burden of sin weighed so heavily upon Ezra that he rent his robe. This phrase is usually employed to express the extreme sorrow felt by the subject.

The first step, acknowledging the sins of the people  

The Bible guides us to know what Ezra did in response to this burden laid upon his heart. His first response is to acknowledge the sins of the people and made them aware of it. It must have been a difficult task for God’s servant; it is never easy when one has to acknowledge one’s sins and mistakes before God, and to confess it before men as well. But Ezra did not withhold from the people the public declaration of their sins.  

“Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.” Ezra 10:1

Not only that, but Ezra led them to confess their sins. “Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.” (Ezra 10:11). Brothers and sisters, this is a lesson for all Christians. If ever a believer knows that he or she has committed a sin, do not delay to acknowledge and sorrow for your sins! If ever we have to help a fellow brother or sister who has slipped or fallen, remember what God guided His people to do through His faithful servant. This should be a lesson for us all. Know that the first step to spiritual health and recovery is to acknowledge and confess our sins.

The second step, repentance and restitution – the true sign of a repentant heart

The people took a good step forward when they acknowledged their sins. Ezra the faithful servant of God continued to guide the people towards spiritual restoration. It is the same for every Christian. If a believer has fallen into sin, he must take steps to restore his relationship with God. Dealing with sin means more than just expressing sorrow for having sinned, it also means praying and seeking forgiveness. The sinner must also take steps for the restitution of the offence, or to take measures that will ensure there is no repetition of the sin. Ezra did that with the people. He led them to make an oath.

“Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.” Ezra 10:3 

He made the people and the Levites swear that they will repent and never to turn back to sin.

“Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware.” Ezra 10:5

Brothers and sisters, the word of God gives us wisdom to know how to restore our relationship with God if we should backslide. God is ever faithful to forgive and restore us. As we examine ourselves, if we know our sins and offences against God, let us be ready to confess and repent of our sins and turn to God. He is faithful and merciful. May God’s Holy Spirit lead and guide us as we live for Him. Amen.   

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor