Ezra 10
V. 1 It seems strange that Ezra made confession, since he himself didn’t do anything. We will see the ultimate example of this in the book of Daniel. There is a formula for prayer given by Moses and reemphasized in the dedication prayer of Solomon that says that those seeking God’s grace for the nation need to confess their own sins and the sins of their fathers.
Vs.2-5 This is a miracle in itself. The people were totally in agreement and repentant? When does that happen?
Vs. 6-15 All of this took time to organize. It says that Ezra left Persia in the first month of the year. I’d guess it took a month for them to get to Jerusalem. This assembly takes place in the ninth month. Notice that the meeting to go through each case of intermarriage took place in the 10th month.
V. 9 This was a major assembly of the people and it was pouring heavy November rain. The people were freezing, adding to the distress of the matter, but moving them to a quick decision.
Vs. 16-44 There was allowance in the Law for a man marrying a foreign woman taken in war. Basically, she had to become submissive to the Law. This was an exception to the rule, the rule being that men should marry within Israel. The reason for this would be the same as the reason for followers of Christ marrying followers of Christ.
When you read this list it doesn’t seem like so many people, so what was the problem. First, as Paul said yesterday, “A little leaven, leavens the whole lump.” Second, these people were leaders and people in the leading clans, meaning that their action had a deeper impact on the entire population. Third, if these were the leaders, this probably isn’t an exhaustive list for all the people.
When Jesus talked to His disciples about them modeling faith he warned them about a disciple being no better than his teacher and then the log in the eye parable. Good followers lead other good followers.
1 Corinthians 6
This is a very interesting chapter, full of theology. It goes to show that all of our actions involve some very important theology, or the misunderstanding thereof.
Vs. 1-8 Just think of all the underlying teaching that is in this section. The overt message is that Christians shouldn’t sue Christians and if there are disagreements, they should go before the elders/spiritual men. Underlying all of this is the sovereignty of God and our situation on this earth.
Vs. 9-11 So, what is the point Paul is making here? This isn’t saying to degrade the competence of unbelievers, but it is saying there is something more important in life, vitally important. Paul makes sure they see that it was only by God’s grace that they were saved.
Vs. 12-20 This is a separate problem in the church, but somehow related to the past problem.
Note here that when Paul quotes an opponent or false teaching, he immediately answers in a very clear way. There is some confusion in chapter 14 about women being silent in certain settings in the church. Certain people dismiss this teaching saying that Paul is quoting an opponent, but it isn’t apparent that he is quoting anyone. This example is typical of other instances we’ll see where Paul quotes his opponents. Chapter 14 doesn’t fit into this at all.
V. 12 Notice how the Jews had over reacted to “freedom” in Christ. Somehow they equated knowing Christ to being free from the restraints of the law and morality, as if the spiritual didn’t connect to the physical.
V.17 This has always been a challenge for me. Our relationship and growth in Christ aren’t automatic. As we obey and follow closer, we get more of Him.
Vs. 19-20 What an amazing statement. The Holy Spirit is within us and we are to live to glorify God.
Just as an aside, notice that Paul doesn’t go totally nuclear about their immorality. Not that this issue isn’t important. Paul and the Spirit are saying it is, but with repentance and forgiveness, lives can get put back on track.
Psalm 31:9-18
Last time we read this I mentioned imagining this as what Jesus felt as he went through His journey to the cross. If you want a good parallel to this, read Isaiah 53. For example, notice the parallel between verse 11 here, and Isaiah 53:3.
Proverbs 21:3
Amen, and instead of sacrifice you could add, “or going to cool worship services.” I see righteousness and justice as linked to the harvest and our work in it.
Matthew 12:18 "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 19 He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will any one hear his voice in the streets; 20 he will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick, till he brings justice to victory; 21 and in his name will the Gentiles hope."
If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.”
I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.
If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.
I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.
Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.
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