Moment of Grace

Reading: Ezra 9-10; Psalm 131; Luke 21 “But now we have been given a brief moment of grace, for the Lord our God has allowed a few of us to survive as a remnant. He has given us security in this holy place. Our God has brightened our eyes and granted us some relief from our slavery.” (Ezra 9:8 NLT) Ezra the priest was a very godly man, but when it came to acknowledging sin and repentance, he fully identified with his people; the good, the bad, and the ugly! I really admire people who so fully identify with their community—whether a community of faith, a family, or a local or national community, or the human race—that they say “we” instead of “they” and “our sins” instead of “their sins.” This ability to identify with the sins and situations of others is an essential quality in those who would be intercessors. As Ezra considered the incredible favor they had been shown by Emperor Artexerxes, witnessed the wholehearted response of the people to the challenge of rebuilding the Temple, and experienced the almost miraculous provision for the project, he recognized it all as a “Moment of Grace.” Ezra called it a brief “Moment of Grace,” and in the scale of Israel’s and Judah’s history it really was a brief moment. To Ezra’s credit, he recognized that this was truly a “Moment of Grace,” however brief, and acted with his whole heart and strength to fully capitalize on that moment and receive and share that grace. In the seasons and in the days of my life, God’s grace comes to me in surprising and often unexpected ways. It may be a season of grace or a brief “Moment of Grace” but in any case, I must keep my heart pure and my hands clean and my mind clear so that, like Ezra, I can recognize and respond to God’s Amazing Grace. Every “Moment of Grace” is a gift to be received and a blessing to be shared! Prayer:

Father, Thanks for your Spirit-sensitizing word today. Thanks for your Amazing Grace. I purpose to go through the details and duties of this day watching for a “Moment of Grace.” I purpose to face this season of my life with my heart and mind open to your grace. Don’t let me miss it! And don’t let me miss the opportunity to share your grace with others. Amen.