When Ezra returned to Jerusalem, one of the major problems that confronted him was the intermarriage of God’s people with foreigners. As Ezra began working with the people to determine a solution, they said, “…the people are many, and it is a time of heavy rain; we cannot stand in the open. Nor is this a task for one day or for two, for we have greatly transgressed in this matter.”[1] Credit should be given to the people for acknowledging and confessing their error. They also teach us an important lesson—mistakes can take time to correct.
We want problems resolved immediately. But problems that are big or years in the making are not solved overnight. When it comes to sin, we’re usually dealing with big or long-standing problems. So as we repent, we must be ready for the long steady work of fixing errors and bearing fruits of repentance. And as we help others, we must be patient and gracious. Repentance is a life-long commitment, not a one or two-day task.
[1] Ezra 10:13