Key Verse
“Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.” Ezra 10:6
Text — Ezra 10: 6- 8
Message
A burden is a heavy load or anything one has to bear or put up with. It can also refer to a problem or a responsibility that causes someone a lot of difficulty, worry or distress. In our Bible passage, Ezra was having the pain, a heavy load in his mind and a form of emotional trouble because his people Israel were disobedient to God. They were carried away into captivity because of their sins and had to suffer greatly in the hands of idolatrous nations.
The world today is not better than the rebellious Israel; evil is still multiplying and the people have no regard for the word of God.
Hell-fire awaits the people that are living their lives in disobedience to God’s word. Believers must not be comfortable seeing large number of people, including some of our family members, friends and neighbours living in sin.
We must do something. Every Christian should therefore take it upon himself or herself to prayerfully seek to lead sinners to forsake their evil ways, accept Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, so that they can escape hell fire.
Further Reading
Nehemiah 1:1-4
Prayer for today
O Lord, please plant the burden for sinners in my heart and help me to bring them to Jesus.