“O Lord, the God of Israel, you are just, for we are left a remnant that has escaped, as it is today. Behold, we are before you in our guilt, for none can stand before you because of this.” (Ezra 9:15 ESV).
When Ezra arrived in Jerusalem with the king’s commission and offerings for the temple, he discovered that many of the priests, Levites, and leaders had led the people into covenant-breaking sin by marrying idol-worshipers from the surrounding nations. This was not a small failure, it was a direct violation of God’s commands and a replay of the sins that had led to the exile (Deut. 7:3–4). Ezra responded with public mourning: tearing his clothes, pulling his hair, and falling on his knees in prayer. In this final verse of his confession, Ezra acknowledged God’s justice in preserving only “a remnant that has escaped” and admitted the people’s total inability to stand before Him because of their guilt. For God is righteous in judgment yet merciful in sparing even a remnant. Ezra offered no defense, only humble confession before a holy God.
Ezra’s question is implied: Who can stand before God? The answer is plain—no one can, apart from His mercy. This is the universal human condition. On our own, we stand condemned, unable to stand before a holy God. But the gospel answers Ezra’s question with hope. The only ones who can stand are those made righteous in Christ. At the cross, Jesus took our guilt, separation, and death, and in exchange gave us His righteousness, sonship, and eternal life. The temple curtain was torn, announcing that we may now draw near—not on our own merit, but clothed in Christ’s perfect righteousness. We are the remnant of grace (Rom. 11:5), and in Him we can “stand firm” (1 Cor. 15:1) and will be presented “blameless before the presence of His glory” (Jude 24).
PRAYER: Dear Father, You are just and merciful. We confess that apart from Christ, we could not stand before You. Thank You for making us stand by Your grace, clothing us in Christ’s righteousness, and redeeming us for Your glory. Help us live in humble repentance and steadfast faith, yet with confidence in Christ’s provision. In Jesus’ name, amen.