The People's Promise

While Ezra still knelt in tears before the temple confessing sins, people began to gather one by one beside him. Adults and children all felt the pain in their hearts, for they too knew they had drifted from God's ways. Then a brave brother named Shecaniah stepped out. With his hand on his chest he said to Ezra, "Do not despair! There is still hope. We can make a covenant with God again and serve Him with all our hearts." At these words, Ezra stood up with tears still on his face. He wiped them away and sent messengers to every city, saying, "Within three days, all must come to the temple." The messengers ran through every street. On the appointed day, dark clouds gathered and rain began to fall, drip, drip, drip. Yet no one ran away. They shivered in the rain, but their hearts were warm and brave. Together, in the rain, they raised their hands and answered Ezra with a loud voice, "We must do as you have said!" Their tears mingled with the raindrops, and their faces were full of joy. Soon the rain stopped, the sun came out, and a beautiful rainbow arched across the sky. God had received their promise. That night, Ezra sat by the window, looked up at the stars, and quietly prayed, "Thank You, God!" This story tells us: true repentance is not a moment of sorrow, but humbly making a promise to God and then keeping it with all our heart. God always delights in a heart that is committed and turned back to Him.