In Ezra 9:8, we encounter a powerful prayer: “And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.” This verse reflects the essence of grace and revival amidst hardship. Charles Spurgeon once noted that the prayers God answers are those that begin in His heart. What does this mean? 1 John 5:14 provides insight: “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.”
There are two kinds of prayers: those for material needs—provision, protection, and temporal blessings—and those for spiritual needs, focusing on eternal blessings. Recently, I asked two preachers what they wanted prayer for, and both simply asked for wisdom, reminding us of the deeper, spiritual petitions that align with God’s heart.
Ezra begins his prayer with a simple yet profound word: "Now." He recognizes that grace is being shown in the present moment. Even amid struggles, God’s grace is active. Can we not say the same for our lives, homes, and churches? Psalm 46:1 reminds us that God is “a very present help in trouble.” Our ever-present God is willing to show grace in every situation, but we must seek Him. He always supports those who earnestly seek Him (2 Chronicles 16:9).
In Ezra 9:8, we see that even though society is corrupt, God still offers grace. Despite our failures, we are still here because of His mercy. This space of grace is an opportunity to repent. Like Noah, who found grace and had 120 years to give others a chance, we too are living in a time of grace. But only a remnant may respond, as with Noah’s family, who were the only ones saved.
We are in a generation of the remnant, those left behind when the desirable parts are taken away. I remember going to the fabric store with my mother, who would often buy remnants of fabric because she knew they could still be useful. Similarly, God can use the remnant for mighty purposes. Noah and his family were a remnant, as was Joseph, who preserved a posterity in the earth (Genesis 45:7). Elijah, too, was one among only 7,000 faithful in Israel (1 Kings 19:18).
In Amos’ day, God’s mercy was directed toward the remnant, not the whole nation (Amos 5:15). Even in Ezra’s time, the remnant was crucial. Their “little” work greatly influenced the development of the Scripture Canon and the coming of the Savior.
Ezra also prays for “a nail in his holy place”—a small peg upon which something important can hang. It’s not much, but it’s a start. Small things, when supported by God, can be strong. Just as we hang pictures and towels on small pegs, we can build on the little opportunities God gives us. Ecclesiastes 12:11 likens wise words to nails, given by God. We should hang our lives, homes, and hopes on the truths of God’s Word.
Ezra prays that God would “lighten our eyes,” giving us spiritual insight and understanding. Psalm 119:18 asks God to open our eyes to see wondrous things in His law, and 1 John 1:5-7 reminds us that walking in God’s light brings fellowship and cleansing. God desires to open the eyes of both His children and the lost, bringing them from darkness to light (Acts 26:18, 2 Corinthians 4:4).
Ezra’s prayer concludes with a plea for “a little reviving in our bondage.” These may be the days of small things, but little can become much when God is in it. Moses’ rod was just a little thing, but it performed mighty miracles. A boy’s small lunch fed thousands when touched by Jesus. A widow’s tiny offering caught Jesus’ eye and has inspired countless acts of giving. Little things, empowered by God, can lead to great outcomes. Ezra, aware of the people’s undeserving state, humbly asks for a small revival—just crumbs from the Master’s table (1 Samuel 14:6).
Interestingly, Ezra doesn’t ask for deliverance from their bondage, but for revival within it. God often works most powerfully in the midst of our struggles. Rather than praying for escape, we should ask for renewal in our present circumstances.
Let us pray that God would revive His work in the midst of our trials (Habakkuk 3:2). May He revive His people (Psalm 85:6) and each of us individually (Psalm 138:7). Even in the hardest of times, God can bring a little reviving, and that little is much if He is in it.
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