Ezra 9:1-15

Reference: v.4  Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of this unfaithfulness of the exiles.  And I sat there appalled until the evening sacrifice. (NIV Bible)

Explore:  One of the greatest animation movies of all time is The Lion King.  Within this one movie there is music, comedy, drama, romance, betrayal and, of course, the circle of life… and this is a children’s movie we’re talking about!  One of the scenes from this animation shows a conversation between the hyenas.  They are the dumb but vicious lap men of the evil Mufasa.  They are talking about how powerful Mufasa really is and they comment that even just saying his name sends shivers up their spine.  “Mufasa.”  “Oooo, say it again.” “Mufasa.”

Application:  What do you feel when you hear the name of God?  In Ezra chapter 9 we hear that the Israelites have been unfaithful to God and so all those who ‘trembled at the words of the God of Israel’ came to Ezra.  To be honest, I tend to focus more on the love of God rather than the fear of God, but that can come with its limitations.  If I really thought about God’s power, passion and mightiness then I too would be trembling at His words.  God’s grace and love is amazing but sometimes that can make us think of Him like a boyfriend or a best mate rather than the all powerful Creator that He is.  God is love and He does desire an intimate relationship with all of us but we must not let that over shadow His great might.

Prayer:  Lord, you are the all-powerful Creator of the Universe.  May we not take for granted your love and grace but acknowledge and fear Your might.  Amen.

What do you feel when you hear the name of God?