BOOK OF EZRA
WEEK NINE: THE FEAR OF GOD
READ: CHAPTER NINE
DEVOTIONAL
Chapter Nine – THE FEAR OF GOD
Reformation includes repentance. If you don’t address sin, it will continue.
It takes courage to rebuke.
The temple was built, but God wants our hearts. When idolatry is prevalent, there will be sexual immorality. A city that drifts from God will make bad decisions. The people of God married spouses who rejected God, and compromise was rampant. False gods were welcomed into homes, and worship was tainted.
We serve a jealous God who will not be manipulated or mocked.
Marriage between two people from different ethnicities or nations is not a sin. But God was clear not to marry someone who worships idols. It was spiritual, not racial. Rejecting Yahweh led to the people’s original exile to Babylon. Ezra wanted to make sure his generation didn’t repeat those tragedies. Deep burdens lead to depression and fervent prayers. Ezra calls for purity and reverence. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
Just Choose Hope
HOPE POINT
Regaining a reverence for God leads to reformation.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. How do we regain purity, and what are the sins that we need to confess? (Ezra 9:1-2)
2. How does the unfaithfulness of the people affect Ezra? (Ezra 9:3-4)
3. What are your heartfelt prayers to God? (Ezra 9:5)
4. What does Ezra include in his prayer? (Ezra 9:6-9)
5. What is intercession, and why does Ezra pray about sins he didn’t personally commit? (Ezra 9:10-15)
6. Who can you share this Scripture with during the upcoming week?
PRAYER
Father God, we turn from our evil ways. We repent of hidden and secret sins. We call on Your name today. Forgive us, Lord. Our nation has rebelled against You. It’s wrong. Your Word is truth. We have rejected Scripture. We have chosen the world instead of the Word. We want to come home and walk in the light. Search our hearts, we pray. Lead us on the right path. All of Your commands are good. We want to keep in step with the Holy Spirit. We live for You, Jesus, and pray in Your name, amen.
