Grace for a little while

And now for a little while grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and give us a measure of revival in our bondage. – Ezra 9v8

Ezra knew all about God’s righteousness and holiness. He also knew something of God’s amazing grace. He knew that the nation deserved nothing from God but His wrath and His judgement. He knew that apart from God’s grace there would be no hope.

But he also knew that God is a God of grace - ‘for a little while God has shown us grace.’ Why did God show His grace? ‘So that there would be an escape, that they would have a stake in God’s holy place, that God would open their eyes, and God would revive them.

I know that Ezra was speaking of a very specific time and a very peculiar circumstance, but I think there are a couple of things here that we can glean as well.

First there is the very basic truth that God shows grace. Grace is something that is given even if we don’t deserve it. Whereas in this case God gave the nation a ‘grace window’ we know live in a time when God’s grace is open to all people at any time. However, we need to be aware that one day this ‘grace window’ will close and it will be eternally to late.

God also enlightens our eyes and revives our heart in His grace. He gives us abundant life and knowledge of Himself that would otherwise be impossible.

But I skipped one. I wanted to wait to the end to get this one.

God’s grace ‘gives us a peg in His holy place.’ This is probably a picture of a tent peg which secures a dwelling place. In the American west land was often given to those who would settle it. There was a mad rush for the best plots of land. The land was secured by driving a stake in the ground to mark of the land.

This is a great picture of what this ‘peg in His holy place is.’ God’s grace, as shown in Jesus Christ gives us a stake in eternity. Our heavenly homestead is secure. Our stake has been placed only by God’s grace.

Praise God for His ‘grace for a little while.’