TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezra 10
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. - James 5:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
The old saying quips that you can’t be a leader if nobody follows you. So part of the question of leadership is How do you get people to follow you? Different leaders have tried different tactics. Authoritarian rulers rely on exerting power to mandate obedience. Some bosses manipulate employees with a mixture of threats and bribes. And probably nearly every parent has at one time told a child to follow “Because I said so!”

Ezra demonstrates that spiritual leadership provides a different model for why people will follow: the power and conviction of a godly example. Notice in our passage that the national repentance that transpired was not instigated by Ezra’s decree, insistence, manipulation, or threat. Instead, while he wept and prayed at the temple, the people noticed and were spiritually moved (v. 1).

Shecaniah spoke for the people in admitting their culpability for the sin of intermarriage with the pagan women. He also understood a key spiritual truth: “We have been unfaithful to our God. . . . But in spite of this, there is still hope for Israel” (v. 2). He encouraged Ezra to take the bold step of a public assembly, with confession and restitution. Ezra responded the way he had when confronted with the challenge of leaving Persia without the king’s troops for protection—he fasted and prayed and trusted the Lord (vv. 4-6).

The gravity of the assembly was emphasized by the penalty for failure to attend (v. 8). Although not every Jewish man had married a heathen wife, the standing of the entire community before God was at stake. In case the situation was not bad enough, the weather captured the dreary circumstances as it poured rain on the gathered nation (vv. 9, 13). Ezra’s proclamation here was brief: he explained their sin and what they must do to remedy their disobedience.

“The whole assembly responded with a loud voice: ‘You are right! We must do as you say’ ” (v. 12). Ezra’s godly example gave him the authority to instruct the people on repentance and restitution before God. The people agreed to reject their idolatrous marriages, and within a few weeks they had complied with the instructions.

APPLY THE WORD
Ezra’s leadership included humility, courage, and, above all, a commitment to know and obey God. This spiritual leadership transforms others and inspires them to seek God more faithfully. Certainly, church leaders should have these qualities; but even if you aren’t ordained or hired by a Christian ministry, you can still affect others with your example of love for God and your trust in Him. Your prayers can be some of your most powerful tools of spiritual leadership.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 1
I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. - Nehemiah 1:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
Memoirs have become a best-selling category of books. People love to read behind-the-scenes accounts from politicians and military leaders. Stories of overcoming dramatic obstacles in life enchant others. And some people just enjoy reading a well-written personal narrative about another person’s inner thoughts and feelings.

The book of Nehemiah, which is primarily a memoir of his time in Jerusalem, contains all of these elements of a captivating memoir. His story begins 13 years after the last events recounted in the book of Ezra.

The first thing we find about the Jewish people who returned from exile is distressing, and Nehemiah reacted with the kind of heartfelt passion as if his own home had been vandalized (vv. 1-4). From the very beginning of this book, we see that a godly leader identifies himself with God’s people and doesn’t stay at a distance from their struggles and pain.

Next, Nehemiah demonstrated the proper action in response to spiritual crisis. Nehemiah responded with mourning, fasting, and praying (see Ezra 9-10). This introduces a theme running throughout this memoir: Nehemiah’s reliance on God and the priority of prayer. As we’ll see, Nehemiah was a confident, successful, talented man—but he exercised his gifts and talents out of a dependence on God, committing himself to seeking God first.

Nehemiah’s prayer in this passage gives us a peek inside the spiritual life of a godly leader. The prayer begins with an acknowledgment of who God is (“great and awesome”) and what He does (“keeps his covenant of love,” v. 5). Next, Nehemiah showed spiritual insight by recognizing that the condition of the walls of Jerusalem reflected the spiritual condition of the Israelites. He acknowledged that both personal and corporate sins had broken the clear command of God (vv. 6-9).

Finally, Nehemiah didn’t view prayer as an excuse not to follow up with action. He had confessed and committed the matter to the Lord. Now he committed himself to act on behalf of his disgraced and distressed people (v. 10).

APPLY THE WORD
Nehemiah provides example of prayer and action. We might be tempted to act in a situation without first committing it to the Lord. We might also be tempted to pray but then refuse to follow up with action. Spend time in prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to prompt your heart for any issues you need to confess or petition. Use the model of Nehemiah’s prayer to shape your own words. Then follow through on any actions you need to take, especially on behalf of others who are hurting.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 2:1-10
Then I prayed to the God of heaven. - Nehemiah 2:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
The kings of Persia demanded absolute obedience and deference. The father of King Artaxerxes, Xerxes the Great, is a major character in the book of Esther, and a central drama swirls over whether he will permit her to live once she commits the capital offense of approaching his throne unbidden. Artaxerxes himself murdered two of his brothers in asserting his claim to the throne—and according to the ancient historian Plutarch, he was considered one of the gentlest Persian kings!

As cupbearer to the king, Nehemiah had daily, immediate access to Artaxerxes. The position required the king’s full trust, and it also meant that Nehemiah was responsible for the king’s safety from any who might try to tamper with his wine (1:11-2:1). In keeping with the protocol to please the king, Nehemiah always had a pleasant demeanor. But he could not hide his grief at the news from Jerusalem (v. 2).

The conversation between Artaxerxes and Nehemiah offers several insights into the right way to approach the throne of men and the throne of God. First, Nehemiah displayed the appropriate respect to the king (vv. 3, 7). We might not like our mayor, or president, or boss, but we do not have license to be disrespectful to those in leadership positions (see Rom. 13:1).

Second, Nehemiah placed his ultimate trust in God, not the king. Notice the brief, millisecond prayer that he offers before answering the king in verse 4. Even as he prepared to make a bold request that could change his life, he sought to place himself under the authority of the Lord. Nehemiah also credited God with the favorable response from the king: “Because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests” (v. 8).

Finally, when the Lord opened a door of opportunity for Nehemiah to make a difference, he was willing to walk through boldly. He requested the king’s permission to rebuild Jerusalem, then asked for letters of protection, and then petitioned the king for materials from his own forest (vv. 5-9). Nehemiah understood that God can work through anyone—even a Persian king—to accomplish His will.

APPLY THE WORD
God can use Artaxerxes, Nehemiah, and you! He has put you where you are for a reason. Nehemiah might have been a cupbearer for years before this moment came. When it did, Nehemiah was prepared because of his relationship with God through prayer. If you are waiting to see what God will do, you can prepare by cultivating your prayer life. If God has shown you the opportunity to make a difference for His kingdom, take it boldly, for His gracious hand is on you!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 2:11-20
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. - Philippians 1:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Justin Smith was appointed president of the Atlantic Media Company in 2007, one of his biggest challenges was trying to restore profitability to The Atlantic, one of the oldest magazines in the United States. The losses were around $7 million each year, and Mr. Smith immediately upended the conventional wisdom about magazine management, and as a result of his changes The Atlantic now nets nearly $2 million in profit, an impressive feat in a difficult publishing environment.

When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, he needed to upend the conventional wisdom about how to rebuild and protect the city. He began by personally inspecting the damaged walls and gates (vv. 11-16). He did not immediately announce himself and demand to be in charge, nor did he start giving orders without first assessing the situation.

After taking time to review that crumbling wall and burned gates, he met with the Jewish officials. Notice the content of his inspiring pep talk. First, Nehemiah appealed to their honor as the people of God: “we will no longer be in disgrace” (v. 17). He knew that the disrepair of Jerusalem reflected poorly on the relationship between the people and God.

Then, Nehemiah informed the officials about God’s hand of protection and provision (v. 18). He could already testify to God opening a door for him to speak to the king and secure supplies. That testimony of God’s hand in the past would be vitally important as they faced challenges in the future. Knowing that God had led Nehemiah this far was a tremendous encouragement for the officials.

Finally, Nehemiah assured them that Artaxerxes had authorized this project (v. 18). This became immediately relevant when Sanballat and Tobiah (whom we’ll examine in more detail later) challenged the rebuilding project: “Are you rebelling against the king?” (v. 19). Nehemiah and the Jewish officials could declare that they had the king’s permission—and what’s more, they were obeying God (v. 20). They responded: “Let us start rebuilding!” (v. 18).

APPLY THE WORD
Many churches have done away with time in the service for people to share testimonies of what God has done. Hearing those stories can be important reminders of how God has worked and an encouragement that He will be faithful to His people (see Phil. 1:6). Perhaps your Sunday school class or small group could take some time to share about “the gracious hand of my God.” Use the time to give the glory to God for the specific ways He has led and sustained you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 17:1-15
I declare to you that the Lord will build a house for you. - 1 Chronicles 17:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
The heart of worship is always ready to adore our great God. That was the attitude not only of David but of countless believers through history. Augustine, for example, prayed: “O Lord in whom all things live, who commanded us to seek you, who are always ready to be found: to know you is life, to serve you is freedom, to praise you is our soul's delight. We bless you and adore you, we worship you and magnify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

For David in today's reading, a heart of worship meant he didn't want to live in a palace while the Ark remained in a tent. He wanted to build a proper temple. But he didn't rush ahead, as he had done previously. Instead, he consulted Nathan the prophet, showing that he had learned an important lesson about submitting all his plans, even ones with good motives, to the Lord. God's answer, however, was “no”—the honor of building a temple would go to his son, Solomon.

Though the request was denied, the Lord's answer was much richer than what King David had asked for. In what is often called the “Davidic covenant,” God confirmed that the kingdom would be secure, remaining enemies would be subdued, and a golden age was about to begin. The themes of homecoming and safety (v. 9) would have been especially poignant to the returned exiles for whom Chronicles was first written. They would also have been encouraged by the long-term promise that David's throne and house would be established forever, a promise with clear messianic implications (v. 14).

Jesus Christ fulfills that promise. His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, were both in the line of David. When He was crucified, it was under a sign proclaiming Him “King of the Jews” (Matt. 27:37). And the last book of the Bible opens by identifying Him as the “ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev. 1:5).
APPLY THE WORD
As with David, God has promised us many things within His plan of salvation. Keeping these promises close to our hearts can strengthen our faith. Good verses to memorize include Romans 1:16-17; Ephesians 1:13-14; and Hebrews 9:28. In Christ, we have a “living hope . . . an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade,” and we are “shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 4
All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: “He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him.” - Psalm 22:7-8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Marion Donovan was born into a family of inventors in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She received numerous patents for her own inventions, including the Zippity-Doo, designed to help women zip up the backs of their skirts or dresses. But one product earned nearly universal scorn when she first introduced it: the disposable diaper. Critics laughed. Manufacturers didn’t want to produce what they thought would be a huge waste of money. Donovan persevered, and in 2009 sales of disposable diapers in the United States approached nearly $2 billion.

Not every project or product is welcomed with open arms at first. The ridicule found in our passage today, however, was motivated by anger at the success of God’s people (v. 1). This was not doubt about whether the project would succeed—this was an attempt to intentionally derail the construction of Jerusalem by undermining the confidence of the Jews.

Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite have appeared in our reading before (see Neh. 2:10, 19). They were leaders of people who had settled in the land that had been Israel and Judah, and so the return of the Jews from exile posed a threat to their own power and control over the territory. Their opposition to Nehemiah, introduced in chapter 2, runs throughout the book and escalates in this text from ridicule to plans for assault.

In response to the taunts, Nehemiah followed the example of the psalms and prayed to the Lord for justice (vv. 4-5; see Psalm 75). When Sanballat and Tobiah threatened to attack, Nehemiah and the builders prayed to God and posted a guard (vv. 6-9). And after the report came that their enemies planned to exploit any weakness by killing the workers, Nehemiah assessed his resources. True, he armed the builders and stationed people strategically around the wall. But more importantly, he reminded the people of their ultimate resource: “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome. . . . Our God will fight for us!” (vv. 14, 20). With a plan for action and the promise of the Lord’s help, the construction continued.

APPLY THE WORD
When we encounter opposition, we need spiritual wisdom to discern if it is warranted criticism or ungodly taunting. Does it seek to undermine our commitment to God’s instruction? Does it attack the character of God and His promises? Our response should be like Nehemiah’s: seeking the Lord and focusing on His character. If you are struggling with opposition to your spiritual growth, write verse 14 on a card to remind you to “remember the Lord, who is great and awesome.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 5
If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest. - Exodus 22:25
TODAY IN THE WORD
Debt bondage continues in many parts of the world. For example, a farmer is given a loan during a bad harvest season, but then the exorbitant interest entraps him in lifelong debt. He and his children become sharecroppers earning money for someone else. In the United States the campaign “10% Is Enough” has targeted the largest banks and credit card companies, petitioning that interest rates be capped at no more than 10 percent so people do not become mired forever in credit card debt.

Our reading is consistent with God’s repeated instructions in His Word regarding economic bondage and charging interest. Nehemiah had just organized a community-wide effort to rebuild Jerusalem and inspired the people to trust God in the face of threats from their enemies. But now he discovered that something else threatened the stability of this group of Jews struggling to resettle in their land, and this challenge came from within the community.

The charges of enslavement, usury, and economic manipulation went to the heart of the identity of the people of God. The Law expressly forbade charging interest to each other (Deut. 23:20-21). By taking fields and vineyards as a repayment for food, it was impossible for the poor to ever redeem a family member who had been sold into slavery, and they were trapped in a never-ending cycle of impoverished dependence.

Nehemiah went to the heart of the problem: this violated the express commandment of God and was inconsistent with the practices of God’s people (vv. 7-9). Even economic activity is subject to the authority of the Lord. Nehemiah put his money where his mouth was, so to speak. Not only did he challenge the leaders to enforce the ban on charging interest and the process of restoring property, but he also extended generosity to the poor and needy (vv. 14-18).

Nehemiah exemplified generosity, not greed. He didn’t accumulate property or take advantage of his official position to collect extra food or money. Ultimately, he was concerned with “reverence for God,” not reaping financial gain (v. 15).

APPLY THE WORD
Are we eager to claim our own rights, even at the expense of others who are hurting? Do we search for ways to stand for justice because we are part of God’s people? As Christians, our economic activity reflects what we believe about God. As employers, we should pay a fair wage. We should not keep people in our financial or emotional debt, manipulating them into serving us. We should extend generosity. Then we can say, “Remember me with favor, O God” (v. 19).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 6:1-14
But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” - Nehemiah 6:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
Robert Sternberg was a mediocre student in his Introduction to Psychology class—in fact, he earned a C in the course. His professor wrote on his paper, “There was a famous Sternberg in psychology and it is obvious there will not be another.” But three years later, Sternberg graduated summa cum laude from Stanford University with exceptional distinction in psychology. In 2002, proving his professor’s prophecy wrong, he became the president of the American Psychological Association.

In our reading, we see more of the opposition against the work of Nehemiah, and the attacks included schemes, lies, and false prophecies. Nehemiah had to choose whether he would believe the word of his enemies or remain steadfast in God’s call.

First, Sanballat and his cronies conspired to trap Nehemiah outside Jerusalem (v. 2). The text hints that this was proposed as a sort of negotiation, a scheme intended to lure Nehemiah by the promise of a truce or peace settlement. Nehemiah saw the trap for what it was and refused to leave his work (vv. 3-4).

Next, Sanballat issued a threat: he was circulating a story that Nehemiah had declared himself king of Judah in defiance of the Persian authorities. Sanballat would communicate this information to the Persians if Nehemiah refused to meet with him (vv. 5-7). Again, Nehemiah resisted the bait, recognizing that Sanballat’s plot was intended to frighten him and the people away from completing the work on the wall of Jerusalem. Instead of being manipulated by Sanballat, Nehemiah responded with prayer: “Now strengthen my hands” (v. 9).

Finally, Sanballat and Tobiah hired a Jewish man to tempt Nehemiah to go into hiding. Shemaiah alleged that a plot on Nehemiah’s life required that he hide in the temple for safety (v. 10). Nehemiah had confidence in God’s protection and wisdom to recognizedeceit; he refused to cower and abandon the work (vv. 11-13). Notice Nehemiah’s prayers in 5:19 (“Remember me”) and in verse 14 (“Remember Tobiah and Sanballat”). He could trust the Lord to know his heart and judge him and his enemies justly.

APPLY THE WORD
Nehemiah was determined to believe the call of God, not the false prophecies of failure. When we have committed the truth of God’s Word to our hearts and minds, we can reject the claims of Satan that we will never serve God, never be forgiven, or never amount to anything for God. Choose one of these verses to keep you focused on God’s love and care for you: Philippians 1:6; Jeremiah 29:11; or Deuteronomy 31:8.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 6:15-19
This work had been done with the help of our God. - Nehemiah 6:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Shane was a college student preparing for a lucrative career in law when he knew God was nudging him toward seminary instead. After wrestling with the decision for several weeks, he finally prayed, “Okay, God, I’ll go to seminary on one condition: you have to help me learn Greek.” Never a strong student in languages, Shane began to study Greek—at which he excelled. He went on to seminary and today is an ordained minister and seminary professor training other pastors-to-be in the Greek New Testament.

Following God’s call doesn’t mean we get to sit back, put our feet up, and wait to see what happens. Instead, it means we “put our shoulder to the plow” and trust that God will enable our work to bear spiritual results (Luke 9:62). God blessed Shane’s studies—but he actually had to study; he didn’t wake up one morning proficient in Greek. Nehemiah had to actually build the wall; he didn’t simply pray and then open his eyes to see a completed wall surrounding the city.

Our passage reveals the spiritual consequences of our obedience. The announcement of the completed wall almost seems like an afterthought, a simple statement of fact (v. 15; see Ezra 6:15). After threats, opposition, and exhaustion, the wall had been built in 52 days. The text focuses our attention on the most important detail: the significance of the completed wall.

The enemies of Nehemiah had persistently tried to undermine the confidence of God’s people, but when the wall was finished, it was their own self-confidence that lay shattered (v. 16). The people they had derided as “feeble” had accomplished a construction feat (see 4:2). There was no denying that they were empowered by a strong and mighty God.

The final verses illustrate the problem of intermarriage that we saw in the book of Ezra. Tobiah, the foe of the Jewish resettlement and rebuilding, had married a Jewish woman (v. 18). This meant a number of the Jewish nobles and officials found themselves under legal or financial obligation to a spiritual enemy. He continued to threaten Nehemiah and to attempt to coerce Jewish leaders to align with him.

APPLY THE WORD
Our obedience to God doesn’t just accomplish His work in our lives. It also testifies to others about His power and His faithfulness. If you’ve seen a spiritual “wall” completed in your life, share that story with others, and write it down in a spiritual journal so that you can remember the great work of God. Praise God that He specializes in strengthening His people to finish the good works to which He calls them! (see Eph. 2:10).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 7
Now the overseer is to be above reproach. - 1 Timothy 3:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Some elementary school students chafe at learning multiplication tables. Few teenagers enjoy studying for their written driving exam. No one goes to culinary school simply because they want to learn how to peel potatoes or chop onions. But all of this basic information is necessary in order to progress to important material: algebra and geometry, driving a car, or preparing gourmet meals.

Our passage transitions between the account of the rebuilding of the wall and the book’s climax in chapters 8 through 10. We might wonder what devotional benefit could possibly be found in reading this list of names—especially since we’ve already read this list in Ezra 2! But as it sets the scene for the coming events, this chapter also includes helpful reminders for us about the nature of spiritual leadership.

First, notice the criterion that Nehemiah used to select other leaders. He chose Hananiah as commander of the citadel because “he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do” (v. 2). He understood that spiritual qualifications are most important for carrying out God’s work (see also 1 Timothy 3).

Next, we see Nehemiah’s concern for the restoration and protection of God’s people. He gave instructions to appoint gatekeepers and guards (vv. 1, 3). He also addressed population issues confronting Jerusalem: surrounded by hostile people who felt threatened by the return of the Jews, Jerusalem needed to regain population in order to establish God’s people in the land again. Otherwise, they would be susceptible to attacks from outside the city and infiltration and intermarriage within the city.

Nehemiah discovered the records of the first families who returned after the decree of Cyrus (v. 5). The diligence and care of a spiritual leader are manifested in this bit of the story—Nehemiah could have ignored this history from some 90 years earlier. But his priorities were obeying God and serving His people, not promoting himself as the sole architect of the reconstruction. He took the record of the past into account before forging ahead with decisions for the future.

APPLY THE WORD
Spiritual leadership has times when grateful people offer thanks. Other times feature dramatic confrontation with those who oppose the work of God. And other moments are like today’s passage: the “grunt work” of ministry that’s often not noticed or appreciated but is necessary for the spiritual growth of God’s people. Take a moment to write a note of thanks to your pastor and other spiritual leaders for their faithful ministry.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 8
All the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” They bowed down and worshiped the LORD. - Nehemiah 8:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Jewish festival of Purim was established by Mordecai and Esther after God’s deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s evil plot to destroy them (see Esther 9). The celebration, which continues among Jews today, includes sharing gifts and food with both friends and the needy so that all may participate in the joy.

We’ve reached the focal point in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah (which were originally compiled as one book). It would be a mistake to think of these accounts as primarily about rebuilding the temple, rebuilding the wall, or describing the return of the people. While all of those things happen in these chapters, they point to the critical event of the spiritual restoration of the people of God. The Lord was not simply bringing them back into the land; He was bringing them back into relationship with Him.

The people requested the public reading of the Law (v. 1). The text underscores the spiritual unity here; go through the passage and note how many times the words “all the people” or “the whole company” occur. This unity centered on the Word of God and their hunger to hear it proclaimed.

The people were also unified in their praise (v. 6). Their worship, led by Ezra, centered on “the LORD, the great God.” After hearing the Word explained, Nehemiah instructed the people that it was time to rejoice! There would be time for grieving and mourning to come (we’ll study this tomorrow), but for the time being, worship of the Lord was to be accompanied with joy (vv. 10-12, 17).

This joy should also be shared with those in need. Using language that echoes the instructions of Purim, established only a few decades earlier, Nehemiah instructed the people to share food and drink with others (vv. 10, 12). Expressions of joy from worship are intended to praise God as well as to promote generosity.

Finally, the people were unified in their obedience. By keeping the Feast of Booths they demonstrated a willingness to follow God’s commands and to identify with the long history of the people of God.

APPLY THE WORD
We might not associate a “sacred day” with joy and celebration and feasting, but Nehemiah declared that “the joy of the LORD is your strength” (v. 10)! Take time for an intentional meal of celebration with family and friends, and rejoice in the goodness of God. With hectic schedules and cultural notions of “perfect” entertaining, we can easily let the habit of gathering to share together slip by. As part of your celebration, you could volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry together to extend help to others.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 9:1-15
Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. - Nehemiah 9:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress declared that the 13 colonies of Great Britain were now the 13 united states, independent from the rule of King George III. Most of the Declaration of Independence outlined the history of grievances the colonists had suffered under British rule. This account provided the background and framework for their assertion that they were justified in declaring independence from King George.

Our passage includes a history of the actions taken by a sovereign Ruler, but this was no earthly monarch. Instead, the people recounted the works of God, which provided the background and framework for their belief that worshiping the Lord was justified.

After three weeks of feasting, celebrating, and observing the appointed feasts of the Law, the Israelites gathered again for a solemn assembly (v. 1). The Levites led them in a time of reading the Law, confession, and worship (vv. 3-5). Notice today how Scripture helps us understand the appropriate context for our confession and grieving our sins before God.

First, the focus of confession begins with God, not ourselves. The declaration of praise opens with an acknowledgment of who God is: “You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens . . . the earth . . . the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything” (v. 6). Because He is the Creator and Giver of life, God deserves praise. He determines the standards for His creation.

Next, God did not only create all things, He also cares about His creation and His people. He has chosen to enter into relationship with people, and “you have kept your promises because you are righteous” (v. 8). He intervened to rescue His people, and He tenderly provided for every spiritual and physical need (vv. 9-15).

This history of what God has done reveals a powerful, faithful, holy, loving God who created, protected, and communed with His people. Truly, this God is worthy of all praise and obedience.

APPLY THE WORD
Tomorrow we’ll look at the specific confession of the people, but it’s important that we not rush past this element of confession—the focus on God. Our own times of confession are not intended to be times when we wallow in our own failures, but instead are occasions for us to praise the Lord for His character and His relationship with us. How have you experienced God’s power, faithfulness, and love in your own life? Spend time today praising Him for all He has done.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 9:16-38
You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. - Nehemiah 9:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
After a terrifying incident in which Martin Luther was nearly struck by a lightning bolt, he decided to enter a monastery, hoping to find peace and relief from his fear of death and divine judgment. Luther took his monastic vows seriously and participated in a rigorous regimen of fasting, pilgrimage, and confession. Yet his deep, spiritual despair only deepened. Later Luther said, “I lost touch with Christ the Savior and Comforter, and made of him the jailor and hangman of my poor soul.”

Our passage provides an account of corporate confession to restore a relationship with God. As we saw yesterday, this confession occurs in a context that is focused on the character and work of God. Without this, confession can simply become a process of spiritual and mental agony; but when the focus is on the Lord, confession allows the joy and comfort of a life with God to be renewed.

The text opens with a phrase that reveals the contrast between the character of God and the response of His people: “But they . . .” (v. 16). This is always the gap that produces the need for confession. God, in His holiness and love, makes every provision for His people—but they fail to follow, obey, and love Him in response. The Israelites had been arrogant, stubborn, disobedient, rebellious, and blasphemous.

While these sins are named, the focus remains on God’s character. Our hope of forgiveness doesn’t lie in our exhaustive iteration of our sin. It’s important to be honest about the ways we have fallen short, but our hope is the great compassion of God (vv. 17, 19, 27-28, 31). Even in the face of heinous rebellion, the Lord is faithful to instruct, provide, and deliver His beloved people.

The core of the confession lies in verse 33: “You have been just; you have acted faithfully, while we did wrong.” The people acknowledge that their exile and oppression was the deserved consequence of sustained disobedience, and God’s character is still gracious and merciful. They could confess their sin and appeal for forgiveness because they understood the truth about a God who “keeps His covenant of love” (v. 32).

APPLY THE WORD
If we understand the truth about God, we will take confession of our sins seriously—not as a way to grovel or beat ourselves up, but because we have hope that He forgives, and we want to restore a relationship with our Lord who loves and provides and cares for us. If you have resisted making confession a regular part of your prayer life with God, confess your sins before Him. This should prompt greater joy as you experience His forgiveness in a powerful way (see 1 John 1:9).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 10
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. - James 1:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 2003, New York Times journalist Nicholas Kristof was reporting on the sexual trafficking of women and children in Cambodia when he called the legal team at the paper’s offices. “I asked them if they had a policy about purchasing human beings—turns out they didn’t!” For $350, he purchased the freedom of two 15-year-old girls who had been trafficked into brothels. He returned them to their families and gave them seed money to start businesses so that they could earn a living apart from the sex trade. One girl opened a small grocery, but the other ended up returning to the degradation and abuse of the brothel. Though she had been freed, she could not grasp a life out of bondage.

We may gasp in horror at someone given a chance at freedom and life choosing instead to be enslaved and oppressed. Yet when we refuse to confess our sins, or then refuse to live in the truth of our spiritual freedom, we are returning to the slavery and bondage of sin. In our passage today, the people wanted to go beyond praise and confession and take action to change their relationship with God from egregious sin to eager service.

This community agreement was a serious commitment (see 9:38). Nehemiah led the political and religious leaders in sealing this accord to obey the Lord (vv. 1-29). After being plagued with spiritually corrupt worship, the people pledged not to permit intermarriage with the pagan people, which had led to the idolatrous abominations of false gods and child sacrifice (v. 30). Additionally, the people committed to honor the Lord and His Law by observing the Sabbath, even though it would mean counter-cultural business practices and inconvenience (v. 31).

Finally, the people took seriously the need to provide for the Lord’s house, spiritual ministry, and worship (vv. 32-39). They contributed their tithes and offerings to the Lord. While it might seem like service for God costs a great deal, it is a joy compared to the weighty demands of sin. After praise and confession, the people were committed to living in a way that made worship and service to God a priority.

APPLY THE WORD
If you spent time confessing your sins before our gracious, merciful God, then you are forgiven! Don’t return to the bondage of sin; choose to obey the commands of the Lord. Is there something you know you should do for God that you’ve resisted? Perhaps your giving to the ministry of the Lord has been anemic or begrudging. Or maybe you’ve been comfortable with a life of cultural convenience rather than holiness. Choose the freedom of a life of worship and service today!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 11
Take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess. - Numbers 33:53
TODAY IN THE WORD
When the State of Israel was founded in 1948, the government proclaimed “the renewal of the Jewish State in the Land of Israel, which would open wide the gates of the homeland to every Jew.” In 1950, the Law of Return granted every Jew in the world the right to come to Israel as an oleh (Jew immigrating to Israel) and become an Israeli citizen. Today, nearly 30 percent of the Jewish population of Israel are immigrants from around the world, some fleeing persecution and others wishing to participate in the world’s only Jewish state.

After the high point of the book in the preceding three chapters, today’s text returns to Nehemiah’s concern in chapter 7 (see 7:4-5). Major construction projects had been completed. The people had confessed sin and committed themselves to service. Now it was time to sort out the organizational details that would make the resettlement of God’s people in Judah a successful, long-term endeavor.

The people had settled in their ancestral towns, but Jerusalem remained underpopulated, likely because until the wall was rebuilt the people had significant security concerns. Now that provision had been made for greater protection, the leaders settled in Jerusalem, and the people volunteered one tenth of the population of their towns to now reside in the capital (vv. 1-2).

The rest of this chapter reveals something about Nehemiah’s concerns and his leadership. First, his record of the settlements and population shows his commitment to organization and detail. He did not treat the matter of God’s people settling into their land as a haphazard affair. The people had been commanded to settle the land after the Exodus; now Nehemiah was recording that process again after the return from Exile (see Num. 33:53; Deut. 10:11; Joshua 13-21).

Second, Nehemiah exhibited spiritual concern that the resettlement would facilitate the spiritual stability of the people. He detailed the provision for Levites in Jerusalem (vv. 15-18) as well as enough priests and singers to conduct worship in the temple (vv. 12, 22).

APPLY THE WORD
The praise and worship of the Lord on Sunday is an important part of our spiritual obedience. But God also cares about how we’re living from Monday through Saturday. The details might not seem glamorous or spiritually significant, but every part of our lives, from how we conduct ourselves at work to our attitudes toward our family members to how we organize our finances, matters to God.