Because we have sinned

What distresses you? What brings you to the point of inconsolable grief? When life impacts those of whom we love we have a tendency to take notice, don’t we? If there’s an instance affecting one of our children it’s natural for us to rise to the occasion of alleviating their distress. If a parent needs our aid, we’re quick to respond. When a spouse or a close friend or even brother or sister in Christ is in dire straits we (again) do whatever we can to render aid. What about when we see someone we love living a life that we know isn’t healthy for them? How do we react when a loved one makes a decision to live a life unworthy of the call they’ve received from God? Ezra, the prophet, returned home to Jerusalem and noticed his fellow Israelites intermarrying with those in surrounding regions. Ezra is incensed! This isn’t a race issue; this is a moral issue. Ezra knows that when the Jews allowed themselves to be unequally yoked by worshiping gods of the nations around them they would fall prey to God’s wrath once more. In his distress he rents his clothes, he pulls at his beard; he raises his head toward heaven and pleads with God to forgive his fellow man. To be sure coming to the aid in time of distress of those of whom we love is important. How important do we see their soul’s condition? Do we place their creature comforts above their eternal destination? Ours is a temporary dwelling on the earth. Remind yourself that when loving someone enough to care.

Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin