"So all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered at Jerusalem within three days....Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, 'You have transgressed and have taken pagan wives, adding to the guilt of Israel. Now therefore, make confession to the LORD God of your fathers, and do His will....' "
Ezra 10:9-11
A convocation of all the men was called by the leaders. When they gathered, Ezra confronted them with their sin and called not only for confession, but also for obedience, i.e., repentance. There is a difference between confession and repentance. Confession is acknowledging my sin; Repentance is forsaking my sin. It is not enough to confess that I am have sinned. Many people are willing to acknowledge that they have sinned, but they are not willing to forsake their sin and do God's will. Confession alone is barren and fruitless. God calls us to turn from our sin and obey Him. As James says, "Be doers of the word and not hearers only" (James 1:22).
Today's Thought: Confession without repentance is empty words.
Have a "doing" day. Love you.
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