Thursday, November 08, 2012
True Repentance
TEXT: EZRA 10:6-8
Key verse: “Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away” (Ezra 10:6).
Conversion is separating oneself from the course and custom of this world, and devoting a life to the conduct of the word of God. It is a complete turn-around and return to the very centre of His will and original convictions from which mankind have deviated.
The children of Israel in captivity had, before this time, mixed with the people of the land in their customs and inter-marital relationships in contradiction of divine directives. To this, Ezra showed a deep concern and was able to influence the people back to their original convictions.
Our weeping for other people’s sins has the capacity to break down those who otherwise would have continued unashamedly in their backsliding state. What an influence the good examples of great ones may have upon their inferiors. When Ezra, a scribe, scholar, and man in authority under the king, so deeply lamented public corruption, the people concluded that they were indeed very grievous. This drew sincere tears and heart-felt repentance from everyone. The case is plain; what has been done amiss must be undone; nothing less than this is true conversion. Refusing to comply exposes the errant to severe consequences.
Realization with heart-felt remorse and godly sorrow for sin is the powerful key to repentance and full restoration. No matter how far you may have gone from the center-point of the perfect will of God, He is willing to have you reconciled to Him. Refusal to amend your ways may lead to eternal exclusion from God’s favour.
Thought for today: Revelling in sin is a disaster in-waiting.
True Repentance
TEXT: EZRA 10:6-8
Key verse: “Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away” (Ezra 10:6).
Conversion is separating oneself from the course and custom of this world, and devoting a life to the conduct of the word of God. It is a complete turn-around and return to the very centre of His will and original convictions from which mankind have deviated.
The children of Israel in captivity had, before this time, mixed with the people of the land in their customs and inter-marital relationships in contradiction of divine directives. To this, Ezra showed a deep concern and was able to influence the people back to their original convictions.
Our weeping for other people’s sins has the capacity to break down those who otherwise would have continued unashamedly in their backsliding state. What an influence the good examples of great ones may have upon their inferiors. When Ezra, a scribe, scholar, and man in authority under the king, so deeply lamented public corruption, the people concluded that they were indeed very grievous. This drew sincere tears and heart-felt repentance from everyone. The case is plain; what has been done amiss must be undone; nothing less than this is true conversion. Refusing to comply exposes the errant to severe consequences.
Realization with heart-felt remorse and godly sorrow for sin is the powerful key to repentance and full restoration. No matter how far you may have gone from the center-point of the perfect will of God, He is willing to have you reconciled to Him. Refusal to amend your ways may lead to eternal exclusion from God’s favour.
Thought for today: Revelling in sin is a disaster in-waiting.