"Then the descendants of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, with certain heads of the fathers' households, were set apart by the fathers' households, each of them by name; and they sat down on the first day of the month to examine the matter. On the first day of the month they finished questioning all the men who had taken pagan wives."
Ezra 10:16-17
The nation of Israel was called to be different – separated – from the surrounding pagans. When Israel compromised and became like the people around them, then judgment was required. The elders were called as judge and jury to "examine the matter" by questioning the individuals involved in the transgression. I believe that one reason the Church has lost its effectiveness in our society is that it has become like the society. It no longer stands as a beacon of holy living. Church discipline is messy business, but it is absolutely imperative. In order to uphold God's standard of righteousness in the world, the church needs to confront sin lest it becomes the norm.
Today's Thought: The Church needs to judge itself.
Have an "examined" day. Love you.
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