Our God, what can we say now? Even after all this, we have disobeyed the commandments that were given to us by your servants the prophets. They said the land you are giving us is full of sinful and wicked people, who never stop doing disgusting things. And we were warned not to let our daughters and sons marry their sons and daughters. We were told not to help foreigners or even let them live in peace. You want us to become strong and enjoy the good things in the land and leave it better for our children. You punished us because of our sins. But you did not punish us as much as we deserve and brought some of us back home. Why should we disobey your commands again by letting our sons and daughters marry these foreigners? That would make you angry enough to destroy us all! LORD God of Israel, you have been more than fair by letting a few of us survive. But once again, our sins have made us ashamed to face you.
This is an Old Testament example of God's grace and mercy. When God gives us what we do not deserve (the land of promise instead of exile) this is the grace of God. When God does not give us what we do deserve (deserving of punishment and not blessing), this is God's mercy. It is God's desire that this brokenness due to sin leads to improved relations with God. Despite the sins of their children, these Jews were far better off than their fathers who were brought into exile for worshiping other gods. Ezra is paving the way to forgiveness through confession for the people and agreeing with God about his expectations.
Daily Prayer: Father, my sins are ever before you. My sins are against you, but have been atoned for by your grace in sending your son. Wash my sins as far away as the east is from the west and leave me without guild or shame, because of my life in your son. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
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