Ezra 9 - part 5

Eza 9:15 O Lord, the God of Israel, you are just, for we are left a remnant that has escaped, as it is today. Behold, we are before you in our guilt, for none can stand before you because of this." (ESV)

It has been my experience that when we are caught in sin we go looking for affirmation. We seek normal conversations with good people so that we don't have to think about our sin, or so we can convince ourselves that what we are doing is really not all that bad. As a result, when the conversation gets close to addressing our sin we tend to have one of three responses.

1. We look a little ashamed, admit that we've made some mistakes, and assure those we are talking to that we are trying to change or have changed. In other words we make light of both the severity of our sin and our personal responsibility.

2. We attempt to justify our sin by blaming others, insisting that we couldn't help ourselves, our sin is the fault of how we were made or raised (it is either God's fault or our parents fault), or explain that someone coerced us or deceived us.  In other words we make light of both the severity of our sin and our personal responsibility by shifting the blame.

3. We insist, no matter how much evidence there is to the contrary, that we haven't done anything wrong. We may try to explain why what we are doing is okay, or we may simply walk away or get angry because we are being "falsely accused" and attacked. In other words we make light of both the severity of our sin and our personal responsibility by living in denial or by attacking our accusers.

None of these responses to sin are helpful or healthy, but we do them all the time.

On the other hand, those throughout the Bible that were used mightily by God and honored never excused sin. David quickly broke down acknowledging and confessing his sin when Nathan confronted him. Samson, on the other hand, always had an excuse. Here in Ezra 9 we find Ezra quickly acknowledging their sin and the justice of God's judgment. He understood that they deserved far more judgment and far less blessing than they had received.

To their credit, we find the people agreeing with Ezra. They are not trying to pretend that what they are doing is acceptable. They are not trying to shift the blame. They are not trying to make light of either the severity of their sin nor their personal responsibility. They joined Ezra in brokenness over sin, acknowledged their guilt and sought a solution. Ezra admitted, "Behold, we are before you in our guilt, for none can stand before you because of this." The people agreed.

Father, because you love us never let us get away with anything less than brokenness over our sin and biblical confession. We do not deserve your grace, but we treasure it.

By His grace,
Rick Weinert

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