Ezra 10:12-14
‘Then all the assembly replied with a loud voice, “It is our duty to do exactly as you have said! However, there are many people, it is the rainy season, and we are not able to stand in the open. Nor can the task be done in one or two days, because we have done a great wrong in this matter.”‘
This is a great answer from the people. For the well being of the wives and children they are to be placed in situations in which they are cared for. I would assume they would move back with their parents in Babylon. Money is to be generated as well as passage back to that land.
We can make a mess of things in our lives. Particularly if we’ve gone down sinful paths. Much has to be undone. God is patient and will help us. Some will be hurt in the process. That is part of the road back. Sometimes repentance involves and hurts others. We can apologize and make restitution. It’s a difficult, but an important route. It usually is beneficial to the ones that are hurt. They just don’t know it yet.
While obedience might not be the choice we want, it’s the best. Matthew 7:13,14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” We gravitate to the broad path as it’s the popular one. It’s the bandwagon.
God’s way is the narrow one. Those who want the Lord go there. It’s not the attractiveness of the path, but His voice that draws us. We might be hesitant. He who has ears to hear will follow Him.
There is peace and certainty on His way. We won’t have the comfort in numbers, but we will have Him and our family in Christ. One with God is a majority.
He is always calling us to go there. Isaiah 65:2 says, “All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people who walk in the wrong path, who follow their own imaginations.” Hebrews 3:15 says, ‘As it has been said: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion.”’ Lord, help us to be listening and obeying.
Thank You, Lord for Your way. We can always turn and go there. Be with us.