September 26

Ezra 7-10
Harsh repentance is required of the Israelite men who had married foreign women.  In order to find themselves back in God’s good graces, they had to put these wives, along with the children, away.  In other words, they were to divorce them.  There is nothing recorded as to the care of these women and children.  I can’t help but believe that these were pretty angry, not only with their husbands, but the God who would require such a thing.  Is this just?  I’m sure it must be, because the God of heaven and earth decreed it to be so.  These are the sort of things I struggle with as a believer.  Oh, don’t get me wrong, they don’t affect (effect?) my faith.  I just have a difficult time with them because of their harshness.  I understand God’s wanting to keep His people pure.  I get that.  And, maybe if I knew the rest of the story I might not have such a problem with His judgment.  But, I don’t know the rest of the story . . . yet!