Day 125
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| Ezra Praying about Disbanding Families |
Scripture
Observation
With the temple rebuilt and the spiritual leaders installed, only one thing remains before Israel can wholeheartedly worship God again. The marriage relationships with foreign women must be annulled lest the influence of pagan gods draw the people away from the one and only true God. Ezra is broken with sadness over the news of forbidden intermarriages. He knows there are no easy solutions, that the consequences of disobeying God will surpass even the sorrow of disbanding families. It is a painful—but necessary—ordeal. So, Ezra prayed and it produced such a sense of urgency among the people that they assembled in a driving rainstorm to deal with it—an excellent example of problem solving. If it's worth doing right, it's worth doing now!
Application
Put yourself in the following scene. The task before you is simple: Plow ten acres of land with a plow pulled by a team of animals. A quick check of the barnyard reveals the animal available for the job: one mule, three chickens, two pigs, and your German Shephard. You hitch the German Shephard and mule to the plow and set off making the first trench. The question is will you ever get the field plowed? The answer is not likely? Why? Because only a matched team of work animals—with similar work habits—can get the job done.
That story illustrates the principle of equally yoked animals. But the same applies to binding agreements between a Christian (whose goal is to serve Christ) and a non-Christian (whose goal is to serve self). Pulling together is impossible because they are marching to different drumbeats!
While there is still time, examine your relationships with non-Christians before they become too involved or permanent. Consider the implications; learn from Israel's sad example. And if you find yourself contemplating an "unequally yoked" arrangement, turn to 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. It's a clear word of caution you can't afford to ignore.
That story illustrates the principle of equally yoked animals. But the same applies to binding agreements between a Christian (whose goal is to serve Christ) and a non-Christian (whose goal is to serve self). Pulling together is impossible because they are marching to different drumbeats!
While there is still time, examine your relationships with non-Christians before they become too involved or permanent. Consider the implications; learn from Israel's sad example. And if you find yourself contemplating an "unequally yoked" arrangement, turn to 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. It's a clear word of caution you can't afford to ignore.
Prayer
Dear Lord God, thank you that prayer is no untried theory. It is a divine arrangement from you for our benefit, and for carrying out your plans on earth for your glory. In Jesus name. Amen!
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| Pray! Now Deal with It! |
© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020
