Bible Chapter: Ezra 9 & 10

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The people have not kept themselves separate.  This problem of remaining separated from active sinners and from active participation in sin continued to plague the Jews as they returned to their homeland.  They did not separate themselves from the sinful and rebellious societies around them.  That caused their captivity in the first place.  Now, as they were returning, they were going back to the same old habits.  They ignored God’s laws and did not keep themselves separate.  Many of the returning people married women who worshiped false gods.  This was forbidden by God.  God had called them to be spiritually pure and separated from evil.  It was impossible for them to be righteous and live a holy character when they mingled with sin.
    Ezra’s response to this discovery was sorrow and repentance.  He called the whole nation to come and repent.  He called for them to separate from their active connection with all the heathen practices around them.  He called for them to repent and be holy.  This was not some wimpy call to being good, but a powerful call to repentance and living in obedience to God.  Ezra demanded some “radical spiritual surgery”.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    This principle of living a holy life and being separate from active participation in sin is something I have heard about all my life.  I observe that the battle to accomplish this is becoming intense.  I also observe that many believers don’t seem to grasp this concept.  Christians are doing so many things these days that previous generations have rejected.  The blend of believers and the world is happening so that it is harder and harder to tell the difference between the two.  Yes, we live in the world but we are not to be participating in it.
    The closer one comes to any situation or influence, the more they become like it.  Theology is becoming weaker and weaker in the modern church and people compromise with sin.  Sin is accepted and condoned in many places.  God has called for a separation from active participation in sin.  This is important to apply.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to encourage people to seek Jesus, to get close to Him.  People will be better off when they learn the Bible and apply it.  This is always best.