Wed. June 10th - "Standing in the Gap"

In Chapter 7, when describing Ezra being so versed in the word - it is very impressive. Verse 6 grabbed my attention. It says that the king had granted Ezra everything he asked for - for the hand of the Lord his God was on him! It says it again in verse 9. Throughout the remaining chapters of Ezra, this statement can be found several places. I find it really interesting how as soon as Ezra found out about the exiles having intermarried - he didn't start preaching to them of their sin...he was devastated and called a fast and repented to God as though he himself had done this evil thing. He truly did come humbly before God, claiming the sin of his fellowmen as his own offense. I cannot help but wonder how differently God would be dealing with America, if each one of us, could and would, humble ourselves and pray for forgiveness for our sins before our holy God. Instead of thinking our society should repent, we could follow his example. Ezra absolutely "stood in the gap" and repented for his fellow countrymen. This has touched my heart.