Ezra 9
Are we ready to be distinctive?
Ezra, a priest during the time of Israel's captivity in Babylon has been given permission to return to Israel. The Babylonian authorities are even allowing him to institute a legal system incorporating 'the Law of God' alongside the 'law of the King' (Ezra 7: 25-26)
And here is the first problem (v1-2). God's people had been merging their culture, through inter-marriage, with other nations and cultures. This was forbidden in God's law to emphasise their distinctiveness over against the idolatry and moral dissolution (including child sacrifice) that surrounded them.
Ezra is 'stupefied with horror' at their compromise (3-5). Notice how, in prayer (6-15), he includes himself in their guilt and how he models both heartfelt repentance (v.6) and trust in God's grace (v.9).
Ezra both stands with his people and leads from the front.
How far have we sold out to our culture? Where are the subtle, easily
missed, compromises? Today, will anybody notice that we are a Christian, or
do we just blend in? One day we may be called to 'take a stand' on one of the 'big issues'. But meanwhile, how far have we compromised on the small ones?
(Men's Ministry Leadership Member)