A Peg in His Holy Place
I was reading in Ezra the other night – yes, I said Ezra – and found the most interesting passage. I had prayed before reading and asked God to reveal something to me that was fresh and He absolutely came through!
I was reading chapter 9 where Ezra was totally torn up about how the Israelites, even the leaders, had taken wives from among unholy people. This happened not long after King Cyrus had released them from Babylonian captivity. The children of Israel had been taken into captivity because of idolatry. Now they are intermarrying with pagans who worship idols. We all have a tendency to fall right back into the very sin that led us into captivity unless we totally surrender to God.
Ezra’s prayer absolutely put a chokehold on my heart and brought tears to my eyes. Listen to what he prayed after he tore his garments and pulled out his beard: Oh my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have risen above our heads and our guilt has grown even to the heavens.” Ezra 9:6.
He prayed this while on his knees with his hands stretched out to God. This repentant attitude of sin is exactly what is missing in many Christians today. There is no true sorrow for sin and God cannot be pleased with this. We are still serving the same God and He still hates sin.
In verse 8, Ezra continues praying: But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage. I think maybe Ezra underestimated the amount of grace shown, but God’s grace is always sufficient. What a different atmosphere we would have in our churches if we all repented of our sins and begged for personal revival!
God is a God of second chances. He had given the children of Israel an opportunity to repent from their sins and return to Him. He had saved a small remnant while in captivity and now Ezra prayed for a peg in His holy place. A peg in biblical times referred to a large nail from which families’ valuables hung or perhaps a large stake to secure a tent.
Many scholars believe this peg in the holy place is a reference to Jesus Christ, who was without question, Jewish. That makes so much sense to me because Christ is a firm place to hang all of our life. Christ was fixed to the cross with three pegs. He also provides grace for the remnant of those of us who believe in His name. I love the consistency of God’s word from Old to New Testament!
From what peg are you hanging your soul? If you are using any peg the world has to offer, (money, fame, popularity) they will certainly fall to the ground. Place your trust in Christ Jesus, the true peg in the Holy Place. His peg will never give way and it holds the keys to kingdom!