Bible Reading: Ezra 10:1-6
Memory verse: Ephesians 3:14, “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ezra 10:1 “While Ezra was praying and confessing, weeping and throwing himself down before the house of God, a large crowd of Israelites—men, women and children— gathered around him. They too wept bitterly.” This is the story of Ezra and the children of Israel when they were rebuilding the house of God in Jerusalem. Ezra realized the remnants had transgressed God’s law and intermarried with the Gentiles. In their dispensation, they related with God as a righteous judge who demanded one hundred percent adherence to His laws. When they prayed, they approached Him with same mindset. In this new dispensation, Father God is asking His children to approach Him differently. Hebrews 4:16 tells us to come boldly to the throne of grace where we will find help and mercy. Jesus told His disciples to pray to God as heavenly Father.
Note that a judge shows mercy based on his discretion, while a father shows grace and mercy because it is his nature. A father is the one who naturally gives even when you have failed, not a judge. Paul saw God first, as father and approached Him as such. Father God loves us and wants to be good to us. It is God’s goodness that brings men to repentance (Romans 2:4). Is Father God not a judge? Sure He is. But when you pray, come to Him knowing He wants to be a Father to you. He does not need you to beg, cry, and throw yourself on the ground before your prayers will be answered. Jesus paid for your sins and met the righteous requirements of a holy God. By coming in the name of Jesus, the blood covers you and gives you boldness.