“Ezra the priest, with certain heads of the fathers’ households, were set apart by the fathers’ households, each of them by name; and they sat down on the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter” (Ezra 10:16).
Researchers have discovered that those who are patient have better mental health. The study looked at several different types of patience, including the ability to make it through a major life crisis without giving in to despair, dealing with the everyday small stressors, and tolerating people who are a source of annoyance. The results of the study showed that those three types of patience were linked with hope, more life satisfaction, and less depression.
Ezra the priest showed a great deal of patience as he dealt with a major crisis in Israel. The people had recently returned from captivity and were anxious to ensure that God’s wrath would no longer be provoked. As a result, the leaders of the nation came to Ezra with a concern: Many of the men had married women who worshiped different gods.
At first, it seemed as though Ezra’s response was overly emotional. The priest tore his clothes, pulled out some of the hair of his head and beard, and sat down in astonishment. However, his prayer showed that his reaction was not a rash one. He was deeply concerned that Israel would keep a right relationship with God.
When further prompted to make a law concerning this problem, Ezra commanded the people to gather together and spend the night in prayer and fasting. When he went out and confronted the people who had sinned, they agreed with the need for change. Even at that point Ezra was willing to listen to the people’s suggestion that the sin be treated on a case-by-case basis.
He then spent months meeting with the men who had married foreign women. As a result, the people were able to make the necessary changes in their lives. More important, Ezra’s tact as a leader set an example for the type of life that would bring greater satisfaction, hope, and joy.
Father, please send Your Holy Spirit to transform me and make me more patient.
