“Arise! For
this matter is your
responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous and act.” (v.4)
Chapter 10
opens with Ezra confessing, weeping and praying at the temple for the sin of
intermarriage among the people with pagan women. While he was there bowing down
before the house of God, a large crowd of men, women, children assembled with
him and wept bitterly also (v.1).
Then
Shecaniah spoke up for the people, admitting their sin of intermarriage with the
pagan women. He encouraged Ezra to take the bold step of a public assembly, with
confession and restitution. He also assured the priest they would support him
in this most difficult and courageous act (v.4). Then Ezra
responded in a way that was his custom, he fasted, and prayed, and trusted in
the LORD that this most difficult message would be accepted (vv.4-6).
Ezra’s
proclamation was brief: he explained the sin of the people and what they must do to remedy
their disobedience based on scripture. “The whole assembly responded with a loud voice: ‘You are
right! We must do as you say’ ” (v. 12). Ezra’s godly example gave him the
authority to boldly instruct the people on repentance and restitution before God. His
spiritual leadership transformed others and inspired them to seek God more
faithfully.
Not
all of us are in a position of leadership, nor have the authority to call out
such a large congregation of people as Ezra did. However, we can encourage and
prayerfully support those who’s task it is to do so. Your prayerful support can
become the most powerful tool of all in spiritual leadership. Therefore, remember your pastors, teachers, and mentors in prayer, for their leadership has great responsibility before God.
The
Truth
“The effective
prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (James 5:16)
