“Give us a measure of revival in our bondage” (Ezra 9:8).
Bondage, in this verse, does not refer to the bondage of sin. We believers have been delivered from that. It does not refer to the bondage of sickness or infirmity. We have been set free from all that. This does not refer to trying to live in the Spirit while resisting the cravings of the old Adamic nature within us – though that is a legitimate concern.
Here Ezra is asking the Lord for a measure of revival in the bondage of his circumstances. He is surrounded by people given over to idoltry. Seeing the gross practices of sensual people will always adversely affect those who seek to walk in the Spirit.
Bondage exists when a Spirit-minded believer has to work in an office filled with earthly-minded people who have no relish for spiritual things. Bondage exists when a Christian student finds himself surrounded by non-believers who make it clear that they neither share nor appreciate his interest in the things of God.
Bondage exists when a believer’s whole neighborhood majors on partying rather than praying, when even his church is caught up in trivial social functions rather than ministering to vital, pressing needs.
Living in this world of disbelief and unconcern can tend to stifle or suffocate us. The Lord wants to revive us so we can walk in freedom and love. If you will read the next verse (Ezra 9:9), you will see that the Lord did revive His people. He will do the same for us today!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.