The dawn of hope.
Here is a graphic scene. Behold Ezra, the chief man of his nation, and a prince of the Persian Empire, with his garment and his mantle rent, his hair and beard torn and disordered, bowed in silent grief, and surrounded by the best men of his people, all trembling at the word of God. But lo! a ray of hope from the fire of the altar kindles in his soul. "And at the evening sacrifice," etc. Here learn—
I. THAT THE ONE WAY TO GOD IS THROUGH THE BLOOD OF ATONEMENT.
1. Ezra sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.
2. Now he is encouraged to pray.
II. THAT HE MUST BE APPROACHED IN THE SPIRIT OF HUMILIATION.
1. Ezra rent his garment and his mantle.
2. This he now did the second time.
3. Ezra also now fell upon his knees.
III. THAT WE MUST DRAW NEAR TO GOD IN FAITH. Ezra "spread out his hands to the Lord his God."
1. He recognised God as his covenant friend.
(3) The covenant,, relationship evermore recognises Christ who is the Covenant of his people, and whose blood is the "blood of the covenant." The recognition of all this is faith, and when this recognition is raised in us by the Spirit of God the faith becomes saving.
2. Therefore he spread out his hands.