Space for Grace

[Christ4Ever]

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. Ezra 9:8

The pithy line above was first coined in the 1539 Great Bible, and finally captured for all time in the 1611 King James Version.

• "And now" refers to the year 457 BC.
  • "for a little space" refers to a brief period of time. Ezra probably had that year in mind.
  • "grace hath been shewed" refers to the blessings of God demonstrated by the king's favor, his royal decree, and his generosity to the Jewish people returning to the Promised Land. It also likely refers to the safe passage of Ezra and many Jewish exiles despite having no military escort (contrast Nehemiah 2:9).
  • "from the Lord our God" refers to the one true God, Creator of heaven and earth, sustainer of the entire universe, and sovereign over all men--from the greatest emperors to the poorest slaves. He, and He alone, could show the abundant signs of grace treasured by Ezra.

When is the last time you experienced a little "space of grace" from God? Maybe it's been a long time. Or maybe it's your current reality. Either way, ask God to give you some today.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for demonstrating so much grace in my life. You know how things have been going for me lately. I pray for another space of grace. Please.