When we see someone that is highly respected, we want to emulate that person. It seems like a natural desire especially when that person is devoted to a life of helping others. Take for instance Mother Teresa; she was highly respected by many for her life and devotion to others.
There was a prophet named Ezra who learned that the people of
“O my God, I am utterly ashamed; I blush to lift up my face to you. For our sins are piled higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached to the heavens. Ezra 9:6 (NLT)
Ezra prayed for the people that were doing wrong and included himself as a wrongdoer even though he had not committed the specific sin of intermarriage. As a result of his prayer the people were humbled…
While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and lying face down on the ground in front of the Temple of God, a very large crowd of people from Israel—men, women, and children—gathered and wept bitterly with him. Ezra 10:1 (NLT)
They asked Ezra what they should do to make up for the sins they had committed. This is his response:
11So now confess your sin to the LORD, the God of your ancestors, and do what he demands. Separate yourselves from the people of the land and from these pagan women.”
12Then the whole assembly raised their voices and answered, “Yes, you are right; we must do as you say!” Ezra 10:11-12 (NLT)
Ezra won them over to the Lord’s side by example. He prayed earnestly for them and the people responded by following his humble example.
Is there someone that you want to come to the Lord or turn from their ways of sin? Live a holy life so they can see it and humbly and earnestly pray for them.
SEEK FIRST THE
