The greatest threat to the returnees, the remnant, was not the outside dangers of opposition; the greatest threat to the returnees was sin not being dealt with within the community. This is always the case and that is the case with us today. As an American citizen, I am completely unhappy with the things that are happening all around [me in America]. I am saddened. I am grieved. But the biggest threat to the church is not from the outside, it is from the inside. And that is how it was in Ezra's day. The security of the church which is of vital importance, and the leadership, always needs to be strong and decisive. When the leaders actually follow the Word of God, those in the community, along with the leaders, tremble at the Word and follow that Word—no matter how hard it is. And so, what kind of reputation do you get if you are a church that is going to follow the Word of God no matter how hard it is? Well, people are going to say you are legalistic and unloving. People are going to say all kinds of unkind things. But the fact is, I do not have to answer to my neighbour or to another pastor in the community. I answer to the living God, and we will stand before him on the Last Day and we will give an account to him.1
Brian Borgman
1 While Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, a very great assembly of men, women, and children, gathered to him out of Israel, for the people wept bitterly.