Read Ezra 10
Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore - (Ezra 10:1).
Ezra grieved over the nation of Israel because of their sin. In this verse, he lays it all out before God and this chosen nation of God. The verse goes on to say that he confesses to the Lord. Through Ezra, the people repented and gave up their strange wives and children and returned to the will of the Lord.
This is a great example set by this man of God as to how to obtain a revival in the whole nation. One might ask can one man really make a difference? The Word of God shows example after example of that very thing happening. One person following the Lord will always make a majority. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31).
The Bible is full of individuals who made a difference by standing for what was right. They made a difference by standing for God. One only need to read the "roll call of faith" in Hebrews 11 to get a fairly comprehensive list of these individuals. There are many others throughout the Word of God that are not mentioned there.
There have also been many since the days the Bible was written. Many have given their lives for the cause of Christ and the promotion of the Word of God. There are some who have become well known for their sacrifice. Others are only known to a few. Some may have had no one to mourn their passing. However, their gift is known greatly in heaven.
Others may not have died for the cause of Christ, but have lived their lives dedicated to God. These too have brought change in the world around them. The scripture compares the child of God to salt and light. Both being agents of change. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid (Matt. 5:13-14).
Ezra was a leader, of that there is little doubt. His heart was turned towards godly things. He set his life to seeing a work of God completed. This work changed the heart of a nation. Any of us could be used in a similar manner. It is all about living in obedience to the Lord and His will.
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself (Luke 10:27).
Thought for Today:
Remember to put on the whole armor of God if you want to serve Him successfully.
Word Studies:
10:1 wept very sore, wept bitterly; 10:2 strange, foreign; 10:8 substance, property; 10:13 without, outside in the rain; 10:15 were employed about, were opposed to; 10:19 gave their hands, promised, vowed.
Christ Revealed:
Through the ram (male sheep) that was offered for the offenses of the sons of the priests (Ezra 10:19). Christ offered Himself for the sins and offenses of all mankind. He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them (Heb. 7:25).
Prayer Suggestion: Have faith that God always keeps His promises (Gen. 17:16 & 21:2-3).
Optional Reading: 2 Corinthians 7
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 1:1-2