In the book of Ezra, it is apparent that Israel lived in fear because of surrounding countries. It was also the fact that any disobedience to God would result in their destruction or enslavement from their rivals. Israel was therefore in a dilemma. They rather sought the face of God and God directed them in Ezra 8: 21 to proclaim a fast to seek of God a right way for Israel and for their little ones and all their substance. When we find ourselves entangled with a myriad of challenges, we must seek Jesus Christ.
What to do in troubled times
In times of trouble we must hold on to prayer and fasting and to wait upon God through Jesus Christ as part of our culture and tradition which God recognizes and has instructed us to do. By prayer and fasting Barnabas and Saul were set apart for God’s work, Acts 13: 2-3. Jesus when explaining why the disciples could not exorcise an unclean spirit said in Mark 9: 29 that this kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer. Jesus wants us to hold on to this tradition and culture. Jesus said in Revelation 2: 25 only hold fast what you have, until I come. In Revelation 3: 11 he said I am coming soon; hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. We can lose our crowns if we discard our culture of prayer.
Israel declared a fast because of their physical security threats. Today, the world also feels inadequate about our physical security. Today every aspect of our lives is threatened by denial or extinction by evil. We face the threats of war, destruction, pandemic, violence, instability, injustice and lawlessness, financial challenges and many more without end. We are at the crucial time where the presence and intervention of Jesus is most necessary. Israel appointed twelve priests to guard the offerings. We must equally appoint true spiritual leaders to guard our lives through honesty, fasting and prayer.
No security or leadership is greater than God. Psalms 18: 2 says the Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalms 59: 16 says for thou hast been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalms 7: 3 says be thou to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for thou art my rock and my fortress. Psalms 91: 14 says because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. We must cleave to God as Cyrus and Israel did. Isaiah 31: 5 says like birds hovering, so the Lord of hosts will protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it, he will spare and rescue it. We pray to the Lord to come to our rescue for souls are perishing and lost in sin.
Interfaith marriage
One of the charges for Israel was against interfaith marriage. In Ezra 9: 1-5 Israel acknowledged that they had disobeyed God by engaging in interfaith marriages with their neighbours. In Ezra 9: 6-15 Israel confessed to the sin of intermarriages and asked for pardon from God. Interfaith marriage has been a topical issue among some Christians today. In this passage God was clear without ambiguity.
Oftentimes, our human desires that push us to challenge God against his preference for us. 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 say do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? We must remember that our bodies are the temples of God and God cannot share his temple with any rival or other spirit. Exodus 20: 5 says God is a jealous God. Deuteronomy 4: 36 also says for the Lord your God is a devouring fire, a jealous God. Interfaith marriage is a deceit of the soul. In situations of interfaith marriages, who will be the head of the home, Jesus or some other? We cannot subject God’s instructions to our human convenience and the pleasures of life.
Marriage may appear to be a physical union but in reality it is more of a spiritual union. 2 Corinthians 6: 14 says do not be equally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? Our spirits are joined as one in marriage, hence Genesis 2: 24 says therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh. 1 Corinthians 6: 12 also says all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything. 1 Corinthians 10: 23 says all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. Marriage is a union or bond of two spirits and divergent spirits cannot bond.
Interfaith marriage is a strange doctrine to biblical truth. Paul also said in Romans 16: 17 I appeal to you, to take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them. Paul says further in Ephesians 4: 14 we must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, their craftiness in deceitful wiles. Titus 2: 1 says but as for you, teach what benefits sound doctrine. 2 John 1: 10-11 say if any one comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into the house or give him any greeting; for he who greets him shares his wicked work.
When we accommodate such in marriage, we equally partake in their denial to the divine deity of Christ Jesus. This is God’s caution to the proponents of one world religion or the practice of mixed faith religion in the name of enlightenment or world peace. In matters of faith, Jesus said in Luke 12: 51-53 do you think I have come to give peace on earth? Holding on to the truth may breach the peace but we have to decide as Peter said in Acts 5: 29, we must obey God rather than men. There cannot be unity of conflicting spirits. James 4: 4 says therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 1 Corinthians 8: 3 says but if one loves God, one is known by him. Are we known to Jesus Christ our eternal judge? We must give our lives to him and obey his word if we have not done so.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, out of fear we shy from our duties as Christians. Grant us your divine protection and teach us by your grace to live right and to maintain a worthy relationship in your sight. You are the pillar that holds our lives. Let your blood speak for us in the penitence of our hearts, Amen!!
