Be Strong And Take Action

Get up, for it is your duty to tell us how to proceed in setting things straight. We are behind you, so be strong and take action. Ezra 10:4

This one makes me chuckle—it’s so typical.

Ezra had just led the Israelite remnant back to Jerusalem, and now he was exhorting them to confess their sins and purify their lives.

As the people begged Ezra to get up and do his duty, I wonder if they weren’t actually saying, “Okay, Ezra, if you want us to do this, you need to step out in front because we are too scared, lazy, or indifferent to do it ourselves.”

Some people need strong leaders because they don’t want to make decisions and would rather have someone tell them what to do. They aren’t particular about where the leader goes, and they are easily led astray by unscrupulous shepherds.

Pay special attention to these folks. Make sure they hear your voice.

Poeple are looking for someone they can stand behind, so “be strong and take action.”