The Book of Ezra: A Story of Renewal and Hope | Ralph Johnson

The Story of the Book of Ezra. Explore the profound lessons from the Book of Ezra in this insightful sermon. Ezra, a dedicated scribe well-versed in the Law of Moses, led the Israelites from Babylon to Jerusalem, demonstrating the power of faith, prayer, and humility. Discover how Ezra’s journey of preparation, fasting, and earnest prayer paved the way for God's protection and guidance. Learn about the importance of confession, repentance, and aligning with God's will, as highlighted in Ezra 10:1-12. This sermon reveals how Ezra’s commitment to God offers hope and a pathway to renewal, showing that even in times of unfaithfulness, there is always hope. Watch now to uncover how Ezra’s story can transform your life today.

Message Notes:

Ezra 7:6, 8-10 NLT
6 This Ezra was a scribe who was well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given to the people of Israel. He came up to Jerusalem from Babylon, and the king gave him everything he asked for, because the gracious hand of the Lord his God was on him.

8 Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in August of that year. 9 He had arranged to leave Babylon on April 8, the first day of the new year, and he arrived at Jerusalem on August 4, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. 10 This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.

Ezra prepared himself.

Ezra 8:21, 23 NLT
21 And there by the Ahava Canal, I gave orders for all of us to fast and humble ourselves before our God. We prayed that he would give us a safe journey and protect us, our children, and our goods as we traveled.

23 So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.

Ezra lived a life of prayer.

The path to God’s presence is paved with humility and prayer.

Ezra 10:1-2 NLT
1 While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and lying face down on the ground in front of the Temple of God, a very large crowd of people from Israel—men, women, and children—gathered and wept bitterly with him. 2 Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel, a descendant of Elam, said to Ezra, “We have been unfaithful to our God, for we have married these pagan women of the land. But in spite of this there is hope for Israel.”

In spite of ___________ there is Hope!

Ezra 10:9-12 NLT
9 Within three days, all the people of Judah and Benjamin had gathered in Jerusalem. This took place on December 19 and all the people were sitting in the square before the Temple of God. They were trembling both because of the seriousness of the matter and because it was raining. 10 Then Ezra the priest stood and said to them: “You have committed a terrible sin. By marrying pagan women, you have increased Israel’s guilt.
11 So now confess your sin to the Lord, the God of your ancestors, and do what he demands. Separate yourselves from the people of the land and from these pagan women.” 12 Then the whole assembly raised their voices and answered, “Yes, you are right; we must do as you say!”

Ezra points to repentance.

Confess - Talk to God.
Separate - Determine to Walk Away (Repentance).
Reconcile - Agree with God.

James 4:17 NLT
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

Ezra 10:11-12 NLT
11 So now confess your sin to the Lord, the God of your ancestors, and do what he demands. Separate yourselves from the people of the land and from these pagan women.” 12 Then the whole assembly raised their voices and answered, “Yes, you are right; we must do as you say!”

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