Ezra Listed by Name
Synopsis Ezra 10:17-44 7/3/2020
After he arrived in Jerusalem, Ezra dealt with the issue of intermarriage. Many of the exiles who had previously returned from Babylon had either taken wives from the local population of non-Israelites. Alternatively, some had given their daughters in marriage to non-Israelites.
Ezra had determined that situation offended God’s plan to rebuild Jerusalem and the nation. And so, he and the other leaders in Jerusalem forbade intermarriage. Also, together they required that anyone who had already intermarried to renounce the relationship. Otherwise, such people would be cutoff from the nation.
Once explained, the people agreed. And so, those guilty acknowledged their guilt. And then they separated themselves. Interestingly, Ezra listed all the men who had intermarried by name.
Ezra Listed by Name
The men who had taken foreign wives were listed by name. They became a part of the official record for their misdeed and for the repentance.
Listed by Name
One of the great challenges of our time is managing personal technology. From an historical perspective, we live in a time when someone documents almost every aspect of our lives. Even an ordinary person accepts nearly constant public video monitoring. And, I know that my apps constantly record my email and voice communications. And I still chose to use them. In fact, I may even choose to record my own biometric data through these apps. I do this knowing that my information will most likely be shared in the “cloud”.
This is no rail against technology. Technology is what it is. And the trends of technology do not surprise God. He is also the creator of the ability to make technology.
But what I increasingly tell my children is to remain aware. Technology is changing the way that both reputation and history work. And just like everything, it is fitting to thoughtfully recognize these trends. I must consider the appropriate use of technology from the perspective of contributing to what is really good, and true and beautiful.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Phil 4:8
