S) "9 So all the men of Judah and Benjamin assembled at Jerusalem within the three days. It was the ninth month on the twentieth of the month, and all the people sat in the open square before the house of God, trembling because of this matter and the heavy rain."
Ezra 10:_ (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Ezra 10
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Ezra 10
O) There are two things that came to mind when I read this. First, were the plethora of miraculous encounters that people have had, which are then minimized by critics who point out other natural coincidences. In the verse above, these people were trembling. That is not a subtle descriptor. However, this was not only because of the rain, but because of their shame. It was not only because of their shame, but also because of the heavy rain. One does not cancel the other, in either way. They simply happened together. The rain certainly did not make the assembly come and weep with Ezra, but when they came, the rain was also out there with them. The rain did, however, have another role, which is the second thing that came to mind. A little later, the assembly uses the rain as an excuse to, perhaps, delay the process of their practical repentance (see v.13). Together, these two mentions of the rain teach a single, important lesson. Whether they want to downplay the miraculous interventions of God, or they want to hide from their own guilt and shame: People are prone to shift the blame, even if it is to blame the weather itself.
A) Blame-shifting drives me nuts when my kids do it. It also drives me nuts when unbelievers do it to try and profane the miraculous. Even still, when I don't want to do something hard... when I am ashamed by my own guilt in sin... there is still a temptation to shift the blame. I cannot do that, though. I must bear the responsibility of what God is asking me to do. The beauty is, though, that I don't bear that burden alone. First, Jesus Christ Himself bears my burdens. The Holy Spirit within me strengthens me to do things that are plainly impossible. But, just as beautifully, God brings other believers alongside me, I have experienced it, to bear my burdens with me. Whether it is in the hard work ahead, or in the confession and repentance after stumbling, I have been humbled and encouraged by the love of Christ I have received from Him directly, and from godly men who have loved me like Christ does. This is also my goal, as I seek to love others as Christ loves me, proving myself to be His disciple.
P) Father, thank You for making me tremble. Thank You for letting me feel the guilt I have in my sins. Thank You for the conviction of the Holy Spirit within me. Don't ever let me ignore Your convictions, Lord. Thank You also, that You are the first to take up my burdens. Thank You for surrounding me, at times in my life, with men who will bear burdens with me. Let me honor You, and honor them in You, by doing the same for others. Open my eyes to see and ears to hear, to take every opportunity to love my brothers and sisters, just as You love me. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment