2/5/26

Having somewhat been where Ezra is, this is one of the most difficult devotions I have had to prepare.

Being a pastor is the greatest thing I have ever done in service to my Lord. I can't imagine doing anything else. Being in the will of God and serving in this role has brought me such joy and peace that I can't begin to describe. Yet it is one of the most difficult and painful things God has asked me to do.

Having the joy of watching so many people grow in Christ is absolutely amazing. Yet joining in and feeling the pain and hurt they feel as they go through difficult times will break you down.

However, even in that, you know the Lord is providing grace to them, and you pray that He is using you to be a conduit of that grace. So you don't mind hurting alongside of them.

Then there is the part that truly rips a pastor apart. We see an example of this in our text today. Ezra 10:1 NASB95 Now while Ezra was praying and making confession, weeping and prostrating himself before the house of God, a very large assembly, men, women and children, gathered to him from Israel; for the people wept bitterly.

The people were living in sin. They had gone against the will of God. Because of this Ezra was broken. They knew the law. They knew what God wanted them to do and yet they chose to turn from God and commit the sin anyway. Ezra was broken and hurting. He was lying flat on his face, praying, pleading, weeping, and confessing their sin to God. In a real and literal way, he was feeling the weight of their sin pressing down on him. Why was he experiencing this? Because, he was called to love, guide, teach, and help the people become closer to God. Ezra was experiencing the hurt of their sin because of his God-given responsibility. He felt accountability for them. Scripture teaches us this is real and right. Hebrews 13:17 NASB95 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

It was this that brought Ezra prostrate to the Lord, in God's house. This is something I am sure many pastors have experienced.

Thankfully There was a response from the people. Our text says, a very large assembly, men, women and children, gathered to him from Israel; for the people wept bitterly.

They, because of the conviction of God through the sincerity of their leader, repented and sought forgiveness.

I pray today you will think seriously about your sin. It affects so many people. First and foremost it took Jesus to the cross. It separates you from God. It hinders and perhaps ruins your witness. It breaks down your family. It hurts your church. It causes pain and grief for your pastor. However, perhaps the biggest problem it causes, is that it leads others away from God, causing them continued hurt.

The sin this verse is speaking of was marrying outside of the faith in God. Because of it thousands of spouses and children suffered.

When you see your pastor praying, then pray for him. Not only is he hurting for his own sin, but he is also hurting for yours. Also don't forget the other people who suffer for our sins. Remember sin is like leaven. A little leaven will leaven the whole loaf. In the same way, a little sin spreads quickly and affects a large group of people!

Love Bro. Scott