Whilst reading the book of Ezra, Chapter 9 v 5-6 impressed me, it starts with him receiving news of the Israelites once again doing something expressly forbidden by God.
Ezra reacts thus.
5)Then, at the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the Lord my God 6) and prayed: “I am too ashamed and disgraced, my God, to lift up my face to you, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens”.
Notice Ezra’s reaction. He lowers himself, falling on his knees in submission and humility with hands spread to signify complete openness before confessing feelings of shame and disgrace. He doesn’t excuse or separate himself from the guilty parties and clearly calls a spade a spade when describing how serious the sin is, no wishy-washy stuff here!!
The reason Ezra’s reaction stood out to me was that it clearly showed just how strong his relationship with God was and thereby how much God’s feelings meant to him.
Even though we live under grace, Ezra is a good example of how to react and think about God’s feelings, when we are involved in repentance.
With all blessings
Tony
PS This blog is normally updated around each weekend