In what ways can we seek God's forgiveness like Ezra did? Seeing Sin as God Sees It • Ezra begins by admitting, “Since the days of our fathers until this day, we have been in great guilt” (Ezra 9:7). • Like him, we start by calling sin what it is—rebellion against a holy God (Psalm 51:3–4; Romans 3:23). • No excuses, no comparisons, no minimizing. Owning Personal and Shared Responsibility • Ezra includes himself with the nation: “we and our kings and priests.” • Biblical confession often embraces both personal and corporate failure (Nehemiah 1:6–7; Daniel 9:5). • When families, churches, or nations stray, humble believers stand in the gap, naming collective sins before God. Approaching with Humble Brokenness • Ezra tears his garments and falls on his knees (Ezra 9:3, 5). • Genuine repentance engages the heart, not just the lips (Joel 2:12–13). • God draws near to the contrite (Isaiah 57:15; Psalm 34:18). Recalling God’s Merciful Track Record • Even while confessing, Ezra remembers the “brief moment of grace” God gave (Ezra 9:8). • Rehearsing God’s past forgiveness fuels present hope (Lamentations 3:21–23). • We cling to the cross, where mercy triumphed over judgment (Ephesians 1:7). Confessing Specific Violations of Scripture • Ezra names the exact command they broke—intermarriage with pagan nations (Ezra 9:10–12). • Confession should likewise get specific: attitudes, words, actions that contradict God’s Word (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9). • Vagueness keeps sin in the shadows; precision brings it into the light. Accepting God’s Just Discipline • He acknowledges captivity, plunder, and humiliation “because of our iniquities” (Ezra 9:7). • Rather than blame God, he submits to His righteous dealings (Hebrews 12:5–11). • Acceptance of discipline readies the heart for restoration. Renewing Covenant Obedience • Ezra’s confession leads to decisive action—separating from forbidden marriages (Ezra 10:3–12). • Forgiveness is never permission to continue in sin; it’s empowerment to walk in new obedience (John 8:11; Titus 2:11–12). • Practical steps—accountability, restitution, lifestyle changes—demonstrate sincere repentance. Relying on Our Perfect Mediator • Ezra stood before God for the people, but Jesus “always lives to intercede for us” (Hebrews 7:25). • Because Christ bore our iniquities, we draw near with confidence, not presumption (Hebrews 4:16). • His once-for-all sacrifice secures the forgiveness we seek (1 Peter 2:24). Putting It All Together 1. Acknowledge sin honestly. 2. Include yourself in the confession. 3. Come broken and humble. 4. Remember God’s past mercies. 5. Name specific violations of His Word. 6. Submit to any discipline He allows. 7. Act on renewed obedience. 8. Rest in Christ’s intercession. This is how we seek God’s forgiveness like Ezra—trusting the unchanging character of the God who still “abundantly pardons” (Isaiah 55:7). |
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