Miqve - the grounds or foundation of hope; a collection, a gathering; bond together
As Ezra was praying and weeping and bowing on the steps of the temple of God, a huge group of Israelite men, women and children joined him in weeping. Shecaniah: You are right to weep, Ezra. We have forgotten our true God and [sinned], but there is hope for Israel yet. We shall make a new commitment with our True God....and you who are righteous (i.e. follow the law) must guide us...and we will support you. Ezra 10:1-4
Hope must have a foundation...of truth and right living. Sometimes, hope rests on those who are in leadership, who live rightly. When a group - here a nation - has completely abandoned the principles of God, their actions have amounted to a broken faith. Deep confession with a change of heart and path is initiated from within, when the people can see their wrongs as an afront to God.
Then hope reaches out for leadership.
The people of Israel then build on their confession with a commitment to follow and support agents of change, their prophet and priests. It is never an independent faith. Sin is often communal. Righteous leadership can lead the community back to relationship with God.
Lord, lead me to confession and to leaders who would give me hope and whom I can support in their effort to guide.
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