Ezra 7-10

“The people of Israel ... have not kept themselves separate” (9:1). After God had miraculously preserved the Israelites and returned them to the Promised Land, instead of serving him whole-heartedly, some began intermarrying with pagans. Ezra was horrified that God’s people were throwing away their new beginning. “Now, for a brief moment, the Lord our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage” (9:10).

“He has granted us new life ...” (9:9). We are called to be good stewards of the new life God gives us. He wants us to thrive, not throw away his gifts.