August 16, 2017

August 16, 2017

Neh 9:2-3   Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers. They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of Yahweh their Elohim for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping [Yahweh] their Elohim.  The Israelites who were seeking to reestablish themselves in the land of Israel after the Babylonian captivity spent 6 hours reading the word of Yahweh and another 6 hours confessing where they fell short in obedience. Their consciences were afflicted by the many ways that they had disappointed Yahweh with their behavior. Reading the scriptures, as they existed at that time, caused a period of reflection. It made them realize that they had been remiss in their obligations to Yahweh and they immediately repented. How does reading the Word of Yahweh impact you today? Do you seek to make immediate changes when imperfections in your character are revealed to you? Are you saddened by the ways that you let Yahweh down in your life? We must all become more like Israel during the time of Nehemiah. However, these changes must be permanent and lasting. Yahweh is looking for a people that He can use, both now and in the Kingdom age to come. Will you be one of them? You will be if you change and conform to the image of the true worshiper we see in His Word.