The Mind of Christ

Ezra 9:9
For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection in Judea and Jerusalem

Ezra, the prophet, is addressing the post exile chosen people of God. He is praying on behalf of God’s people and  Ezra “fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the LORD my God. And I said: “O my God, I am too ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to You, my God; for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has grown up to the heavens.” (vs5-6) The people of God had fallen back into idolatry and were assimilating with other tribes.

The good news here is not something we often think of as God’s grace and that is guilt. Romana 2:4, says “it is the kindness of the Lord that leads us to repentance.” The guilt we feel as believers is intended to turn us back to God. The Holy Spirit drives us back to the only one capable of riding us of the guilt for sin. We then need to renew our minds and know we are fully, completely, and eternally forgiven on account of Christ. This is what this verse is all about, the people sinned and God repents them and they turn back to the living God.

God then lavishes upon them what they easily forgot…his “steadfast love.” The word steadfast in Hebrew is Hesed (חסד): This word carries a deeper meaning, encompassing loyalty, compassion, and faithfulness. It reflects a profound commitment that transcends mere obligation, representing an enduring bond between God and His people. God’s steadfast love is not simply an emotion but a powerful force that actively seeks the well-being of those He loves. Through His unwavering support, He fosters an environment where we can experience true grace and forgiveness. God is faithful and compassionate, and in this divine love, He repents us back to Himself, where He covers all our sins, offering us the gift of redemption and a path to righteousness. This allows us to live with Him for eternity, embracing the promise of a life enriched by His presence and a future filled with hope, joy, and profound peace in His everlasting embrace.