Q3. Heart Sick

[Pastor Ralph]

Q3. (Ezra 9:3-4) How does Ezra react when he hears of the sin of intermarriage? Does he react for show? Does he over-react? Why does he grieve over the sins of the people? What is wrong with us if we don’t grieve over the sins of God’s people?

[WinstonY]

Q3. (Ezra 9:3-4) How does Ezra react when he hears of the sin of intermarriage? Does he react for show? Does he over-react? Why does he grieve over the sins of the people? What is wrong with us if we don’t grieve over the sins of God’s people?

Ezra a does not react for show and he does not over react he acts perfectly normally for a follower of God. The sins of the people in intermarrying are directly against the law of the Lord for Jewish people and Ezra is shocked and at this moment does not really know what to do about it. This is why he grieves.

often people of this age do not react to sins because they have being come so normal and frequent that we are hardened to them. We must however react to sin as it did Ezra.

 

[JanMary]

On ‎8‎/‎15‎/‎2017 at 2:37 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q3. (Ezra 9:3-4) How does Ezra react when he hears of the sin of intermarriage?

Ezra was so distraught that he tore both his undergarment and his mantle and pulled hair from his head and beard and sat down appalled. (Outraged, dismayed, horrified)

Does he react for show?

No, his horror was genuine. Their wanton sin in disregard for God's law would affect the entire nation.

Does he over-react?

I think that was Ezra's personality, and given the expressive way the culture showed emotions I think it was entirely appropriate for a leader of his caliber and integrity and  with what was at stake for his people as a result.

Why does he grieve over the sins of the people?

The men who had done this evil were the officials and chief men, and they had done it in direct violation of God's will. (Deut. 7:3,4) (not out of ignorance)

What is wrong with us if we don’t grieve over the sins of God’s people?

To not grieve or care speaks, I think, of a certain deadness of spirit, or lack of devotion for the Lord. A callousness of heart which says "Oh well, we're all human". That's true, but our desire should be that we are striving to be lights in the darkness. Yes, we fail and fall at times, but there ought to be some sense of disappointment or sadness when it happens.

 

[charisbarak]

He was grief stricken; he tore his cloak & pulled his hair out.  He was shocked.

No way.  His actions were only for God.

No.  It was gross sin--totally against what God had commanded.

He was identifying with them.  He took seriously what God had commanded and when he found out differently, he had to pray for all of them & himself.

If we don't grieve over the sins of God's people, then we have much pride in ourselves and turn to be judge--separating ourselves from them.  When God's people sin, it becomes a negative representation of God.

 

[blezed]

On 8/15/2017 at 5:37 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q3. (Ezra 9:3-4) How does Ezra react when he hears of the sin of intermarriage?

Ezra was shocked when he heard of the sin of intermarriage.  He tore his clothing and pulled hair from his beard because he knew a terrible punishment would come upon the nation.

Does he react for show? Does he over-react?

His reaction for not for show and he did not over-react.  This was the way the culture of that day grieved.

Why does he grieve over the sins of the people?

Ezra grieved over the sins of the people because these were leaders of the nation and he knew punishment would come.

What is wrong with us if we don’t grieve over the sins of God’s people?

If we don't grieve over the sins of God's people then we do not believe the word of God and do not take sin seriously.  

 

[Old Jerry]

When Ezra heard of the sin of intermarriage was going on he was very distraught. He reacted appropriately for that period of time. He was grieving for the sins of the people. I think that the reason we don’t want to grieve over the sins of God’s people is that we don’t want to be judgmental.

[haar]

Q3. (Ezra 9:3-4)

Q. How does Ezra react when he hears of the sin of intermarriage?

A. He was horrified and shocked so much so that he grieved about the great abomination that was taking place- idolatry, breaking of God's laws with impunity etc .

Q. Does he react for show?

A. Not at all. He was very upset and angry at the level of clear disobedience/ and breaking of the Lord's clear commandments.

Q. Does he over-react?

 A. NO. The sin committed was that grievous to attract such a reaction

Q. Why does he grieve over the sins of the people?

A. See b part of the second answer above.

Q. What is wrong with us if we don't grieve over the sins of God's people?

A. We have lost the sensitivity to the true feeling of guilt and remorse over sins. We have become hardened and have no sense feelings and have become like animals (permit me for this strong word-animals; but there was a time God lamented about the state of indifference of his children over what is wrong and wondered how an animal knows its owner..." Oxen and donkeys know who owns and feeds them, but my people won't ever learn." Israel, you are a sinful nation loaded down with guilt. You are wicked and corrupt and have turned from the LORD, the holy God of Israel.
(Isa 1:3-4 CEV) ")

[Uncle Dave]

Q3. (Ezra 9:3-4) How does Ezra react when he hears of the sin of intermarriage? Does he react for show? Does he over-react? Why does he grieve over the sins of the people? What is wrong with us if we don't grieve over the sins of God's people?

He tore his clothes, pulled hair out of his head & beard and was clearly disturbed. He didn’t react for show, after spending time telling the people not to do this, and the fact that he had a clear picture in his head of what happens because of the intermarriages, he probably felt fear as well because God put his people in captivity for a long time over the same circumstances. The same goes for today. When we watch things take place, like we’re seeing today and act oblivious to things we know are wrong, it means we are accepting things which shouldn’t be. The problem here is it becomes so much easier for us to fall into the same pit, that is if we’re not already crawling around in it. That means we’re accepting as normal and right what God says is unacceptable and wrong. That means we have entered into the sins of the land and left un-repented, will pay the same price as the rest. It is unfair to our children, because they grow up following what they see and are victims simply because they are not being shown what is right.

[bertha]

Ezra was deeply grieved in his spirit to the point that he tore his clothes, pulled at his hair, and sat down in unbelief. Probably thinking he had failed God. Knowing how serious God was in instructing His people to not mingle/compromise with these people. Not show. Ezra loved God and feared God. Ezra was faithful to God. I believe Ezra wanted so desperately for the people to prosper once again. He longed to see them in their homeland, like before, when they were God's people, and had God's favor.

We, too, should grieve for our people, relatives, sons, grandkids, for humanity. We should grieve for their rebelliousness, ignorance, for their sinful ways. God longs to have a relationship with his creation. If we love God, then we too, should feel God's hurt. We are one with God. His Spirit in us should move us to care for the lost, to pray for them, to intercede for them. Otherwise, there's something wrong with our relationship with God. Maybe, we are not fully committed to Him. Maybe we need God's Spirit in us to convict us of this spirit of callousness.  

[hanks]

Q3. (Ezra 9:3-4) 
How does Ezra react when he hears of the sin of intermarriage? 
Does he react for show? 
Does he over-react? 
Why does he grieve over the sins of the people? 
What is wrong with us if we don't grieve over the sins of God's people? 
This is all about sin, different cultures, and different value systems. Ezra did not respond casually - he realized the severity of their sin, and he responded accordingly. He was appalled at the report of mixed marriages, for he knew the consequences this would have. God had forbidden such marriages as it would turn the Israelites away from following God (Deut 7:4). In fact, later we do read how intermarriage did lead to the loss of a pure relationship between the nation and God. I don’t think Ezra reacted for show or even that he had over-reacted. He was visibly expressing his feelings of grief. Later (9:6), we read that he prayed confessing the gravity of the nation’s sin, and that he was too ashamed to face our Lord. He also confessed the severity of their sins, and that their guilt had swept over them like a flood that reaches up to the heavens. The prophets had spoken clearly on the subject of mixed marriages, so they were without excuse. God abhors sin, and today we are not taking its consequences seriously enough – the wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23). It is the rebellion against the will of God and it separates us from having fellowship with our Lord. God will punish unforgiven sin. 
 

[Debra Grant]

Q3. (Ezra 9:3-4) How does Ezra react when he hears of the sin of intermarriage? Does he react for show? Does he over-react? Why does he grieve over the sins of the people? What is wrong with us if we don't grieve over the sins of God's people?

1. He was shocked when he heard of the sin of intermarriage. He tore his clothing and pulled hair from his beard because he knew a terrible punishment would come upon the nation.

2. No, he did not react for show.

3. No, he did not over-react. That was the way the culture of that day grieved.

4.  He was serious about what God had commanded and because these were leaders of the nation and he knew punishment would be coming.

5. Lack of belief in the word of God and we perhaps do not take sin seriously. Possibly lack of concern and not moved to care for the lost and to pray for them.  

[Commissioned]

On 8/15/2017 at 5:37 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q3. (Ezra 9:3-4) How does Ezra react when he hears of the sin of intermarriage? Does he react for show? Does he over-react? Why does he grieve over the sins of the people? What is wrong with us if we don’t grieve over the sins of God’s people?

Ezra reacted with disappointment when he hears of the sin of intermarriage.  He does not react for show.  Ezra does not over-react.  He grieve over the sins of the people because he had taught them the laws of God. When we don’t grieve over the sins of God’s people our hearts will become harden.

[Zilka]

Q3. (Ezra 9:3-4) How does Ezra react when he hears of the sin of intermarriage? Does he react for show? Does he over-react? Why does he grieve over the sins of the people? What is wrong with us if we don’t grieve over the sins of God’s people?

We are children from God if we want seriously think about that, We must take sin seriously. Sin in the body of Christ (or in our own lives) should cause deep grief within us.

We must have good relationship with our God, to communicate our sin and wait of voice from God.

[Damary Alembi]

How does Ezra react when he hears of the sin of intermarriage? He was appelled. He tore his tunic and cloak, pulled hair from his head and beard and sat down appelled.

 

Does he react for show? It was not a kind of show. It was not for a public show. Rather, the sins of the leaders of the nation rip at his heart. He is beside himself with anguish for Judah because he knows history. He knows the word. He knows how punishment for these very sins have been visited upon the nation in the past, and he can see that happening in the future. But he can also see God’s mercy. And that brings him to prayer.

 

Does he over-react? No, he thought of the punishment that will come upon the nation agin for this terrible sin.

 

Why does he grieve over the sins of the people? He knows how punishment for these very sins have been visited upon the nation in the past, and he can see that happening in the future. But he can also see God’s mercy. And that brings him to prayer.

 

What is wrong with us if we don't grieve over the sins of God's people? We believe that because we live in cultures that have no concept of “sin” … only bad bahaviour and mistakes; we do not tremble at the words of the God of Israel.

[Craig]

3. (Ezra 9:3-4) How does Ezra react when he hears of the sin of intermarriage? Does he react for show? Does he over-react? Why does he grieve over the sins of the people? What is wrong with us if we don’t grieve over the sins of God’s people?

He is stunned and overcome by the realization that Israel had once again disobeyed God.  He is so overcome that he tears his tunic and pulls the hair out of his head and beard as a sign of grieving.  He does this not for show but in actual response to disobedience and the possibility that God might punish Israel again.  He grieves for the sins of the people because it alienates the people from God.  It places the people outside the will and blessings of God.  If we don't grieve to some degree over the sins of God's people then we are out of touch with God.  

[Julie]

He is shocked and then starts to mourn.

No, its not an act

No, he does not overreact

For the sins separate them from God

If we do not feel something we may be out of touch with God. I felt this the other day, when I heard on the news about infant abortions, I immediately said out loud I am sorry Jesus and felt it in the heart.

[Katy]

Ezra on hearing the report about some of the Israelites intermarrying with foreigners is extremely upset. Verse 3 of Ezra 9 tells us” I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled.” Ezra was genuine in his grief as he knew that intermarriage was strictly forbidden by God. Even before they entered the Promised Land God warned the Israelites about keeping themselves apart from any foreigners. God’s reason for this was because the purity of His people would be compromised. They would not worship the one true God who created the Heavens and the earth but would gradually introduce pagan worship into their lives and temple. In Ezra’s day grief was expressed in public and his reaction was not for show but was genuine grief that the people of God had behaved in a way that was totally contrary to God’s law for them.

If we as God’s people don’t grieve over the sin of our family or those around us it shows that we ourselves do not realise how serious sin is and how grievous it Is to God. We are not in step with God and we are not like minded.