• The Jews had intermarried with the other nations, which was direct disobedience to God.
• When Ezra found out about it he called for public repentance.
• Why? Because it was a sin taking place in his nation and it wasn’t being dealt with - it was seen as “ok” in the culture.
• Nehemiah 1:4-7 - the walls were broken down and Jewish culture was a disaster.
• He saw the condition of Jerusalem as God’s punishment for the nation of Israel.
• Nehemiah and Ezra prayed, “our sins….” they recognized there are two sins that require repentance - personal sin and national sin.
• How do you know it’s national sin? When what God calls sin is tolerated and/or celebrated.
• God deals with national sin by national punishment - enemies rule over us, justice trampled in the streets, bloodshed follows bloodshed, violence of unprecedented order, etc.
• We need to do three things:
• 1) Repent personally.
• 2) Repent as a nation - starts in the house of God.
• 3) Tear down the high places - the things that are abominations to God.
Ezra 9:1-7 (7/14/16)
National Sin
July 14, 2016 • Benham Brothers
Ezra 1:2 (7/13/17)
July 13, 2017 • Benham Brothers
* CYRUS - The first words we hear from him was his recognition that the God of the Jews was the One who had given him the kingdoms of the earth. * Where do you think he got that idea? * He came into power when Daniel was alive. * Daniel 4:25 - Cyrus knew of the story of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream that Daniel interpreted and how he lived like an animal for 7 years. * Daniel 5:20-21 - He knew of Belshazzar’s pride as well. * On both occasions both kings were warned by God to see Him as sovereign over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to whomever He wishes. * God used the testimony of faithful Daniel and two faithless kings to guide another man in making a decision to bless His people. * ARTAXERXES - Ezra 7:12-19 - Where do you think he got the idea to bless the people of Israel and present an offering to God? * He was the son of Xerxes, who was the Ahasuerus married to Esther. * He probably remembered well the situation with Haman and how that worked out for him when he stood against the Jews. * He probably looked up to Mordecai. * vs 19 - He specifically mentions cups, then in vs 23 he mentions the wrath of God. * He probably knew very well what King Belshazzar had done with the cups and the handwriting on the wall that predicted his death. * God uses testimony to bless His people.
Ezra 1:3 (8/14/14)
August 14, 2014 • Benham Brothers
Israel was once the leading power in the world, and the only way they would fall was from within. They rebelled against God so they lost their power and were exiled to Babylon. God mercifully restored the Jews to Jerusalem, but this time it was different. They were no longer the governing authority - they were subserviant to other nations. They could worship as they saw fit but they couldn't govern their city (because of their rebellion). This was about 400+ years before Jesus came - so when He came they were under Roman rule. The Jews were waiting on the Messiah to come from God and re-establish their kingdom (governing authority). Jesus came to bring God's Kingdom (His rule) to the earth but spiritually and not physically. This is why the Jews rejected Him. Jesus came to govern the hearts of men, and from this it would express itself among his fellow man. So now we rule our individual lives under God's rule, thus influencing our realms. Collectively as the church we "legislate" God's rule in our in our culture / society
Ezra 2:61-62 (7/10/19)
July 10, 2019 • Benham Brothers
* Because these priests couldn’t trace their ancestry they were disqualified to do their job. * Heritage was extremely important to the Jews because only certain family lines could do certain jobs, especially in regards to the Temple service. * Only descendants of Aaron could be high priests. * Only descendants of Levi could be priests. * Without a genealogy they couldn’t be certain they were pleasing God. * Identity was tied to their work. * They couldn’t complete their work if they didn’t know who they were. * Acts 17:28 - If you don’t know who you are in Christ you won’t be able to complete the work He’s called you to do. * KEY - Knowing your identity as God’s kid gives you the PULL rather than the PUSH. * When you’re “pushed” to do something you do it because it’s right and you know you should be doing it - born out of guilt and fear. * When you’re “pulled” to do something you can’t help but do it because it’s fueled by your nature - you were born to do it, so it’s fueled by gratitude and faith. * Ask yourself - “Do I feel more energized the more I do the thing?” * If not, you’re operating out of the push and not the pull. * There may be a time for that, but ultimately you should be in the pull. * Being pulled means you’re operating out of your identity.