Life InterruptedSample

SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE

Read

“Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, let not all the hardship seem little to you that has come upon us, upon our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers, and all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day.”

-Nehemiah 9:32

“Because of all this we make a firm covenant in writing; on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests.”

-Nehemiah 9:38

“We will not neglect the house of our God.”

-Nehemiah 10:39b

Reflect

Renewal of vows is the focus of Weddings for Warriors. The nonprofit organization, founded in Savannah by Becky and James Byous, seeks to celebrate military marriages that remain firm despite the challenges. Each year, hundreds of volunteers provide their services and supplies to help military couples remember the priority of their marriage. I have never attended a renewal of marriage vows, but I can imagine it is a meaningful and moving event. Family members publicly vowing to love and value one another is powerful.

Chapter 10 of Nehemiah reads almost like a renewal of vows. As a nation, the Jewish people looked back to previous spiritual journeys. Together, they vowed total allegiance to what God said to them through the covenant made with Moses, “to follow the Law of God … and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations, and decrees of the LORD our God.” The covenant was both a personal and corporate commitment that people signed, sealed, and recorded. They publicly testified to their neighbors that they were presenting themselves afresh to God. This covenant held specific and precise promises because true renewal cannot succeed on sweeping statements and vague declarations. This covenant got to the nitty-gritty details of marriage, money, and worship.

The people of God purposed to make their commitment more than just a new desire; they purposed to show their commitment through renewed action. This was an opportunity to start fresh and get it right—to make changes and adjustments.

A renewal of vows can be lovely and meaningful, but is not necessary to renew the commitment you and your family have for God and for each other. In what ways do you desire to start fresh in your commitment to one another?

Respond

Ezra reminded the returning exiles that their joy was to be in God’s provision for them. How have you and your family experienced joy in the Lord during deployment? What encouragement do you find in the words of Zephaniah 3:14–20?

Prayer

Father, my source of strength is not in independence, self-discipline, talents, or abilities. My strength is not in my husband, children, or friends. My strength is not in national superiority or military might. My strength is in you. Let me live in daily recognition that my help comes from you. Amen.