Ezra 9:1 After these things had been done, the leaders came to me and said, “The people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices….”
It’s easy to read today’s chapter in the context of guilt. The remnant is guilty of not living as they should. Ezra feels the weight of that guilt, even though he just returned. He is appalled. God has been so good to them, again and again, and yet they are still so very disobedient.
Ezra 9:2 …And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness.”
But instead of reading this chapter through the lens of guilt, I see it through the eyes of God’s grace, mercy, and compassion. He could have wiped them off the face of the earth. He could have reduced Ezra to a pile of ash because of the guilt of Ezra’s people. But He shows grace. He shows compassion. He shows mercy.
Ezra 9:3 When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that as undeserving as I am, You still allow me to approach Your throne, You still shower daily me with undeserved blessings and mercy. Help me, when I deal with undeserving people, to treat them as You treat me, with compassion, mercy, and grace. Thank You for unconditional, fierce , compassionate love. Amen.
Ezra 9:15 “LORD, the God of Israel, You are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before You in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in Your presence.”
Have a blessed day.