Read Ezra 9:1-15

Reformation includes repentance. If you don’t address sin, it will continue.

It takes courage to rebuke.

The temple was built, but God wants our hearts. When idolatry is prevalent, there will be sexual immorality. A city that drifts from God will make bad decisions. The people of God married spouses who rejected God, and compromise was rampant. False gods were welcomed into homes, and worship was tainted.

We serve a jealous God who will not be manipulated or mocked.

Marriage between two people from different ethnicities or nations is not a sin. But God was clear not to marry someone who worships idols. It was spiritual, not racial. Rejecting Yahweh led to the people’s original exile to Babylon. Ezra wanted to make sure his generation didn’t repeat those tragedies. Deep burdens lead to depression and fervent prayers. Ezra calls for purity and reverence. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.