Nehemiah 9:2-3 (NIV)
2 Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves
from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins
and the sins of their ancestors. 3 They stood where they were and
read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of
the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their
God.
The Israelites were convicted of their sin and rebellion
against God as they heard the Word of God read. They spent the next quarter of
the day in worship and confession of their sins! The formation of a new man
began to take place as the people worshipped in one accord and confessed their
sins.
Collaborative worship and confession draws God’s people together and
bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful man. It is interesting to note
that just as Nehemiah had modeled repentance to them by confessing his own sins
and the sins of his forefathers (Nehemiah 1:6), the people now confessed their
sins and the sins of their forefathers. As God’s people, we are called to identify
not only with the sins of our forefathers, but our sins as well, and seek God’s
forgiveness. During their time of confession, the Israelites remembered that
the Lord had been gracious and forgiving to them throughout the centuries: But
in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are
a gracious and merciful God. (9:31)
When we acknowledge and turn away from our sins in
repentance, we begin to see clearly the goodness of the Lord and His mercy
toward us.
He never forsakes us even though we forsake and turn away
from Him. I am reminded daily of how easily I turn from the Lord and how
gracious and merciful He is to take me back when I return. We are like sheep
that easily go astray, but we have a Great Shepherd who leads us back to
safety. (Isaiah 53:6)
Thought for today:
What keeps me from seeing God’s grace?
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