Ezra 9:8. “And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.”
LIGHT TO OUR EYES. How strange that even after the years of learning what God says, His people still listen to the voices from the world and turn to worldly ways. For some reason darkness seems to overcome God’s light, And things we learned from the scripture, fade and we think that sin’s alright.
Oh, we wouldn’t think of robbing a bank, or murdering an innocent man, But if a thing brings pleasure to me, I will do it if I can. So, sin unjudged becomes the norm and we think if others do it, It is okay for me to do the same and really, there’s nothing to it.
Great grace has been shown by our patient Lord allowing us to live. He never agrees to what is sin but a little space to repent He gives. With temptations He always makes a way to escape its consequences. But there will come a time and way of correction when we break down spiritual defenses.
God has allowed us to have a part in His work to reach this generation. We have a part in the Gospel efforts that others may be blessed with salvation. When we start to let sin’s darkness seem right, and follow the path of least resistance. Our fellowship with God is broken and His divine presence seems at a distance.
The bondage sin brings is stronger than we think; its bands are hard to break. Reviving is needed; it is like new life turning us from the path we take. God in His grace gives us a little space to turn from sin and seek the Lord. Recovery to God begins with recovery to His Word; to wait we cannot afford.
There are those around who have not responded to grace but are always ready to fault Those who testify that they are God’s children and through the Bible they are taught. When onlookers see inconsistence, they have legitimate reason to complain That one time you were separate but now you’re together, you are just like one of them.
When it comes to our attention that something is wrong, it is right for us to confess To God right away that sin had its way and repentance we ask Him to bless His Word to our souls and help us to return to Him and the way we should go – So that we and our children behind us will grasp we are responsible to do what we know.
To repair what is wrong will take time and strong wills to stop and return To God and His ways, because either God or those around we will spurn. Face the sin squarely and be sure to deal fairly with those affected by our wrong. Trust God wholly to do what He can do only, and for our part we must be strong.
“Failure is still common, O God, not only among others, but also in me. Restore in me a genuine fear of sin and a sincere commitment to Thee and Thy Word, to do what is right no matter what others do or whatever the cost. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”