However You are just in all that has befallen us; for You have dealt faithfully, but we have done wickedly.
--Nehemiah 9:33 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on August 14, 2013 of Psalm 138; Luke 14:1-24; Nehemiah 8-9.
Once the wall around Jerusalem had been completed and a census taken of all those who had returned from captivity and were living in the city, Nehemiah the governor asked Ezra, described both as priest and scribe, to read the Book of the Law of Moses before an assembly of all the people. A platform was constructed in the open square in front of the Water Gate, a stage large enough and strong enough to support Ezra and 13 others, and actually the first platform built for this specific purpose, effectively for preaching, mentioned in the Bible. There Ezra stood, from morning until midday, reading from the Book of the Law. And all the people stood before him, listening attentively, oftentimes weeping in remorse for their sins. While Ezra was reading, others on the podium would offer explanations of what was read, even translating into the Aramaic for those gathered there who were born and raised in captivity and knew no other language.
And then Ezra prayed. His intent throughout this entire exercise was to renew the covenant between God and His people, the covenant that the children of Israel were guilty of breaking, not God. So Ezra's prayer sought repentance of the people and atonement for their sins. The repentance started two days after the Feast of Booths concluded, when the people began to acknowledge their sins against God, wearing sackcloth and heaping dust upon their heads. And then Ezra lifted up this amazing, emotional prayer filled with praise, history, and admission. The first was addressed to God, perhaps as a form of apology, saying they finally realize He is the one true God. The second spoke to the people, reminding them of all God had done for them throughout their history. And the third is to God from all of us, then and now.
Once we have recognized that we have sinned, the first step to forgiveness is to admit that we have done wrong. God already knows, but our confession to Him brings it home to us. It is important for us to understand that we did wrong, not God. We were unfaithful to God, while He has always been faithful to us. This is what Ezra was trying to get across. We must realize we have sinned, we must confess our sin to God and ask forgiveness, we must stop doing the sin and turn from it (repent of the sin), and we must acknowledge that only we are to blame. Even when we act wickedly, God always deals faithfully with us. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we are sinners. We are born into sin and sin is in our very nature. Your Son had to die on the cross so He could carry all the sin of the world to the grave and leave it there, so that we might be forgiven if we admit our guilt, repent, and acknowledge fault. You, O Lord, have ever been faithful and merciful to us, just in all that befalls us. We have done wrong, not You, and we now realize and admit that. Forgive us, Father, and thank You for always being true. In the name of Your glorious Son Jesus we pray. Amen.
And then Ezra prayed. His intent throughout this entire exercise was to renew the covenant between God and His people, the covenant that the children of Israel were guilty of breaking, not God. So Ezra's prayer sought repentance of the people and atonement for their sins. The repentance started two days after the Feast of Booths concluded, when the people began to acknowledge their sins against God, wearing sackcloth and heaping dust upon their heads. And then Ezra lifted up this amazing, emotional prayer filled with praise, history, and admission. The first was addressed to God, perhaps as a form of apology, saying they finally realize He is the one true God. The second spoke to the people, reminding them of all God had done for them throughout their history. And the third is to God from all of us, then and now.
Once we have recognized that we have sinned, the first step to forgiveness is to admit that we have done wrong. God already knows, but our confession to Him brings it home to us. It is important for us to understand that we did wrong, not God. We were unfaithful to God, while He has always been faithful to us. This is what Ezra was trying to get across. We must realize we have sinned, we must confess our sin to God and ask forgiveness, we must stop doing the sin and turn from it (repent of the sin), and we must acknowledge that only we are to blame. Even when we act wickedly, God always deals faithfully with us. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we are sinners. We are born into sin and sin is in our very nature. Your Son had to die on the cross so He could carry all the sin of the world to the grave and leave it there, so that we might be forgiven if we admit our guilt, repent, and acknowledge fault. You, O Lord, have ever been faithful and merciful to us, just in all that befalls us. We have done wrong, not You, and we now realize and admit that. Forgive us, Father, and thank You for always being true. In the name of Your glorious Son Jesus we pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment