Nehemiah 10

ScriptureNehemiah 10:29All these now join their fellow Israelites the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the Lord our Lord.ObservationAfter reading the Law of God, the Israelites respond with confession, repentance and acknowledgement of the goodness and mercy of God in spite of their unfaithfulness. Here, they finalize their re-commitment to God by renewing their vows to obey the Law of God in the areas of consecration, intermarriage, the Sabbath, tithing and priestly service.Understanding

The Israelites find themselves on the cusp of renewal and restored right relationship with God; the only remaining act being to keep their vows and walk in obedience to the Law of God with reverence. Sadly, the history of Israel will show that they will break every covenant and renewal that they make with God and revert back to their idolatry and spiritual adultery. However, God’s history will show that, despite their continued rebellion and disobedience, God always remains faithful to keep His covenant with Israel, no matter how many times she breaks covenant with God.

Life Application

As much as I would like to point the finger at Israel for their faithlessness toward God despite His miraculous and constant provision and deliverance, I am confronted with three fingers pointing back at me; correctly accusing me of the same sin. I have made as many vows of re-consecration after sin and disobedience as had Israel, only to soon after find myself involved anew in the very same disobedience and rebellion. I am reminded that transformation does not come only from reading God’s word or reacting to its truth with conviction and pie-crust vows (easily made/easily broken). Transformation will only occur in my life when I match spiritual knowledge with practical application – lest I be like the one whom James says is deceived because I am merely a hearer of the word and not a doer of what it says.

 

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