EZRA 9:8: “But now for a brief moment, the Lord our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in His sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage.” In times of distress when everything seems hopeless and we are overwhelmed with what may appear to be insurmountable challenges, God always affords us a way of escape. It is in these times that we must not lose sight of God’s moment of grace.

Ezra was distressed when he learned of the perverse behaviour of the nation of Israel; they were involved in all manner of sin. Fortunately, Ezra was aware that even in the presence of perversion and decadence God provides a window of grace (unmerited favour). This served to enlighten Ezra and he took the opportunity to secure himself a position of acceptance in God’s holy presence. He realised that it is only in God’s presence that he would receive strength and relief in his time of distress.

Similarly, like Ezra, we do not need to be consumed by disturbing events, but know that God’s grace is never depleted, and so in the midst of our seemingly insurmountable challenges we can expect God’s moment of grace. In expecting God’s grace, however, we must take the opportunity first to acknowledge our sin, repent, ask forgiveness and resolve to turn from our sin.

Eternal Father, we as a nation admit our sin against You the God we love. We repent and ask Your forgiveness. We realise were it not for Your mercy we would all be consumed. So we thank You for affording us this moment of grace, and take this opportunity to intercede on behalf of our nation so that we may be delivered and restored to righteousness.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

celtakirk@yahoo.com