In the closing chapter of the book of Ezra the Temple (which is what the book seemed to be about to begin with) fades into the background, and the read centre of the story comes to the fore – the people. And the people have sinned, and are deeply and painfully entangled in that sin. It’s manifestly obvious that there’s no easy way back from sin but as the people of God come to terms with that it becomes clear that,
- Despite their sin … There is still hope
- Although they will learn that … Repentance is costly
- And realise … Some things are too urgent to be done quickly