Nehemiah- Rebuilding and RenewalSample

The Jewish people have rediscovered the Feasts of the Lord, beginning with the Feast of Trumpets on the first day of the month, and concluding with Simchat Torah - rejoicing in the Torah. Great joy filled the city as God brought spiritual renewal to the people, and in today’s passage the festivities turn to remembrance, and mourning. Consecration involves what might appear to be drastic decisions- in separating themselves from foreigners (v2)- but such is the commitment to holiness and devotion to Yahweh.

The Levites take up the narrative- those responsible for facilitating the worship of Yahweh in the nation. A long history is recounted throughout this chapter, beginning with creation, the calling of Abram, then Moses, the giving of the Torah (Law of Moses) at Mt Sinai, and subsequent disobedience of God’s people throughout generations.

This is a moment of corporate confession and repentance. Even though Nehemiah’s generation were not directly responsible, they recognise the truth that they too are complicit in rebelling against a holy God.

Israel’s history through the generations is told: God brings blessing to the people, after some time apathy sets in, followed by disobedience. Consequences ensue and Israel is handed to her enemies. Another generation begins to cry out to God, repenting of their sin. God hears from heaven and brings restoration and blessing, and so on the cycle goes.

One thing is plain from this recounting of Israel’s history, and indeed throughout the entire record of Scripture: God is faithful even when His people are not. “But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God” (v31). Some translations read, “in your great compassion”, and this word speaks of a deep stirring. God’s mercy toward His people is not businesslike or impersonal; it’s a compassion that stirs His heart toward keeping His covenant of love with Israel (v32).

And because God is faithful to Israel as this chapter so beautifully teaches, we can be confident of His faithfulness to us! His covenant love is unbreakable and unshakable. Once we get a clear revelation of this, it may initially mean great weeping and repentance, but will also lead to fullness of joy and confidence. Jesus taught that our response of love is conditioned according to our revelation of forgiveness (Luke 7:47). The more we become aware of God’s great mercy- his deep stirrings of compassion toward all who sin (yes, all of us)- the stronger our natural response of love and devotion toward Him.

Reflect:

Can you identify with Israel’s cyclic history of blessing, apathy, disobedience, consequence, repentance and restoration? How have you seen it worked out in your own history?

“He who is forgiven little, loves little” (Luke 7:47). How’s your love? It flows from an awareness of how much God loves and forgives you. Ask the Lord to bring a fresh revelation if your heart has begun to grow cold. If your love is full and fresh, ask the Lord to lead you in areas where His love can flourish even more.