Confession -The Power of One {Ezra 9:1-10:4}

What instantly comes to mind when you think of the word, confession? 
I wonder how many of us would pair power and confession together, for I believe the enemy may have warped our view just a bit. Confession doesn't seem pleasant at the time,and I don't think any of us relishes that time, yet it is freeing and incredibly powerful! 

Take the example found in Ezra 9:1-10:4   

The seventy years of exile had ended, and the people of Israel had been returning in groups over a number of years. One of these groups was lead by a man named, Ezra. Only upon his arrival, Ezra learns that many in Israel have broken the Laws of God and have intermarried with the pagan tribes among them and have adopted their forms of worshiping false gods.  

Ezra's reaction to this news prompts the people to confess that they have once more damaged their standing with God, for the sorrow and prayer of Ezra following this revelation is powerful, and there are key points found here that can benefit all of us.

First, Ezra identified with the sins of the people. Did you notice that even though he was not guilty of this sin he still says, "our sin" as he prays?

Second, Ezra (and the people) experienced great sorrow over this sin. Ezra admits, "I am too ashamed and disgraced, my God, to lift up my face to you, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens.  From the days of our ancestors until now, our guilt has been great" (Ezra 9:6-7a)

Third, Ezra based his awareness on Scripture and not just the traditions of the day, for he quotes Scripture back to God in his prayer, "you gave through your servants the prophets when you said: ‘The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples. By their detestable practices they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other.  Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance.’ (Ezra 9:11-12)

Forth, Ezra affirms the righteousness and mercies of God by telling Him, "What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins deserved and have given us a remnant like this." (Ezra 9:13)

Finally, following Ezra's prayer there was action taken to correct the situation, which is a picture of repentance, for repentance is more than simply expressing sorrow over our sin, but turning from it! And it often isn't easy as we can see here. Families were torn apart in order to bring Israel back into a right relationship with God and His Word. 

We all see the need in our country, community, church and families and if you're like me I'm sure you too wonder just what one person can do. Ezra proves just one person, in right standing with God can do a LOT as His word tells us in James 5:16; 

Don't give up! Keep praying for the needs you see before you!

Blessings!
sue