THE POWER OF EXAMPLE. Ezra 10:1-8
Action must be taken to correct known sin. There can be no half-hearted approach to dealing with sin. Sin must be addressed before restoration can occur. Initiative leading to correction may come from an unexpected person. The entire congregation becomes aware of how serious sin is. The whole congregation faces the problem, agrees on the solution, and takes action. Then there is hope.
When there is repentance and reform in a nation, an assembly, or an individual through the influence of the word of God, it is genuine and produces good results despite the pain and cost. The entire book of Ezra clearly emphasizes the importance and power of the word of God in the religious, social, and civil life of His people. The revival under Ezra was a revival of Bible study and obedience to God's revealed will.
We are still feeling the impact of that movement as we gather to study the Bible together or dedicate ourselves to private study, seeking the proper interpretation and how to apply what we learn. The word of God worked in the lives of His people when taught by a God-sent man. It brought about genuine repentance, leading to a clear and effective separation. There was a separation from Babylon in chapter one. There was separation from worldly help in chapter four when "the adversaries" said, "Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do..."
There was also a separation from trusting in flesh in chapter eight, when the second group of exiles chose to rely on God for safety during their journey from Babylon to Jerusalem rather than a "band of soldiers." Finally, in chapter ten, there is a separation from sinful alliances of the most intimate kind that could have undermined the entire character and ultimately the very existence of a people called by God to be His own. Idolatry in any form, from household to throne, if permitted to continue, destroys the testimony of faith in God alone.
Generally, when we think of fear, our emotions are centered on dread, alarm, danger, or the threat of danger. The fear of God is different; it is a deep reverence and awe we hold toward the Almighty God. We tremble when we consider His holiness and abhorrence of sin. This fear motivates us to obey Him and serve Him in any way we can. The true fear of God and love for God are closely connected. Our God is our gracious Father who “has done great things for us whereof we are glad.”
While Ezra was praying, confessing, weeping, and bowing down in front of the temple, a large crowd of men, women, and children gathered and did the same. They began to realize the great sin that intermarriage with idol worshippers was causing them as a nation. True grief over sin is contagious because it makes people see the seriousness of what they had ignored and become used to. The example of Ezra, a man of God whom God was using, could not be ignored. But Ezra did not push, scold, or berate them; instead, he wisely waited for those involved in restoring the nation to reach their own conclusions while he continued to pray.
Remorse for sinful activity is not the same as repentance for sin. Ezra's attitude and actions were genuine and evident to others. His heartfelt sorrow for sin serves as a model for us, especially when we understand how serious sin is. Many believers fail to see the horror of sin and the severe consequences that can result from continuing in it. Those who are spiritually mature need to recognize how their actions affect others and face the reality of the problems caused by sin.
Ezra's attitude and actions, in identifying with the nation's sins, motivated another leader to clearly articulate the problems they faced as a people. The example of one godly man resonated with another who was willing to follow his example and do what he said needed to be done. "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of, but the sorrow of this world worketh death." When sin has been indulged and allowed to control our lives, there will be pain and suffering within ourselves, and criticism and even hatred from others when the wrong has been made right; such is the reality of indulging in sin.
The responsibility for knowing, understanding clearly, and addressing the problems caused by sin falls on those who are spiritually mature and committed to God's Word. Ezra knew what God said in Deuteronomy 7. It was his awareness of God's will and presence that first prompted Shechaniah, then the priests and Levites, and ultimately the people to realize there was a serious problem among them. True shepherds recognize latent dangers, but they also understand the condition of the flock and what needs to be done to uphold the testimony of God's people.
It would have been encouraging to Ezra to hear Shechaniah's words of personal acknowledgment of the sin, his clear confession, and then his confidence that "there is hope." Men of faith can recognize the problem and consequences of sin, but they also know God well enough to identify the solution. "A covenant with God" sets the whole matter on the right foundation. Such covenants are straightforward and firm. There can be no compromise with sin. Shechaniah knew God's word well enough to understand what had to be done "at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law." A good example has a positive influence on good results.
The mixed marriages were not just a family matter because their impact extended to the social and religious practices of the nation. The religious practices of those who were not Jews resembled the occult practices of today. Their pagan religious rituals included worshiping idols and engaging in immoral practices associated with that. It also involved sacrificing children to idols by throwing them alive into the fires of Moloch. The mixing of the worship of God with idolatry, which at least 110 men were doing, would have a serious, damaging effect on many people.
Unfaithfulness to God is not a minor issue to be treated casually or simply confessed as sin with a promise not to do it again. Genuine repentance was needed in this case, but, as in assemblies today, they had to "repent, and do the first works." There was a need to make right what was wrong, eliminate the cause of the wrong, and start anew. For a Christian to marry a Satan worshipper (similar to the idolaters of Ezra's day) would be comparable to the problem Ezra and God's people faced. Not only were some ordinary folks involved in this practice, but also some family members of the priests and Levites. Those responsible for guarding the temple, singing the psalms, and spiritual songs were in a position to undermine the entire work, worship, and service of God.
Some sins require immediate action and must be dealt with promptly. "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." The Lord's people in Corinth had grown accustomed to blatant and open sin. If it had been allowed to continue without discipline, the entire congregation could have suffered or even died as a testimony to the danger of mixing saved and unsaved people in church. That practice is now common even in so-called Christian churches that have decided to prioritize accommodating people's desires over obeying God's will and Word. Many leaders say, "We want to make everyone happy," but the result is confusion among denominations that claim to be "Christian" yet leave non- Christians uncertain about what is truly Christian and what is right. All of this leads people to attend "the church of your choice" rather than the house of God.