Promises.
Years of exile. Years of opposition after returning from exile. Years of failing to rebuild the temple and Jerusalem. It has been a long time since the people Israel dedicated themselves to follow God exclusively and fully. It has taken a long time for Israel to regain its place in the land and to find its way in listening to God. There have been previous attempts to persuade the people to follow God but these had been short-lived. In our text, Ezra reads the book of the law and the Levites teach the people. Hours are spent in reading and instruction. Finally, the people respond with promises to follow God only. The promises cover every facet of life: the life of worship as well as daily living. We live with the same conviction. On Sunday we hear the word of God and reaffirm our promise to follow God only. But the real intent of the promise is found in daily living. Our words, our choices, and our thoughts belong to God. We allow God to shape our lives and to mold us into the image of Jesus. May yesterday’s promise be fulfilled today.