Daily Manna 29 July
KEY VERSE: “Now, therefore, make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.” – (Ezra 10:11)
TEXT: Ezra 10:9-11
9 So all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered at Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth of the month; and all the people sat in the open square of the house of God, trembling because of this matter and because of heavy rain. 10 Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have transgressed and have taken pagan wives, adding to the guilt of Israel. 11 Now therefore, make confession to the Lord God of your fathers, and do His will; separate yourselves from the peoples of the land, and from the pagan wives.”
Read yesterday’s Daily Manna here
There are certain privileges that require full compliance with the conditions surrounding them before they can be enjoyed. For instance, to get on the merit list of admission or employment list, one must meet the required standard. Falling short of that point by a little seemingly insignificant margin will have one disqualified. Meeting every requirement and failing in just a little one is not enough. There are no wavers or cutting corners!
Ezra demanded full repentance from the children of Israel that had returned from captivity. They all realised that they had sinned and deviated from the commandments of God regarding their lives, conducts and marriages. They now saw the need to repent and turn back to Him. As they responded to the solemn assembly summoned by Ezra, he confronted them with their transgressions and told them they need for total repentance and full restitution.
Many people want the mercy and favour of God but are not willing to repent. They are sorry for the wrong actions they have done; the lies they have told, the money they have stolen or the wrong marriages they have gotten into, and wish to be forgiven but be allowed to continue to enjoy the proceeds of their sins. They are not willing to repent and make full restitution. To receive forgiveness from God and get fully restored to His favour, nothing short of full repentance and restitution is required.
Full repentance and restitution are God’s requirements that cannot be waived or compromised for anyone needing forgiveness and pardon. These requirements cannot be substituted by good works, generous giving or any other form of religious service or devotion. God’s standards cannot be compromised. Nothing short of full compliance is required. Obey Him today and be blessed.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Full compliance to God’s word is demanded of us. Nothing short!
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Thessalonians 1-5
Thank you for studying today’s Daily Manna – Nothing Short – by Pastor Enoch A.
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Daily Manna 29 July 2021
