From Confession to Covenant | Nehemiah 9:32-38

“Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, let not all the hardship seem little to you that has come upon us, upon our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers, and all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day. Yet you have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly. Our kings, our princes, our priests, and our fathers have not kept your law or paid attention to your commandments and your warnings that you gave them. Even in their own kingdom, and amid your great goodness that you gave them, and in the large and rich land that you set before them, they did not serve you or turn from their wicked works. Behold, we are slaves this day; in the land that you gave to our fathers to enjoy its fruit and its good gifts, behold, we are slaves. And its rich yield goes to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and over our livestock as they please, and we are in great distress.Show more

“Because of all this we make a firm covenant in writing; on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests. — Nehemiah 9:32-38

CALL OUT: To Scott Collins, one of our ministry partners from Poncha Springs, CO. Thanks for your support and partnership in the Gospel. I pray this blesses you today.

This moment is potent. It reminds me of those moments in our lives when we sit in the valley between our sins and God's salvation. These moments are difficult to navigate. But this text reveals that spiritual leaders guide them with three actions. Three actions aid in moving the people hurting to healing and from their sin to God's salvation.

Action One | They Looking Back
So, first things first. Ezra is going to clarify their past patterns of sin. And Ezra was honest about it. Ezra lays it all out there in detail, sparing no detail. You'll notice he doesn't generalize their sins or the sins of past generations. He is specific as he recalls and reflects on every one of them.

As we move through the valley in our lives, we need to do the same. We need to look back on our sins. We don't look back on it to beat ourselves down. But we look back on it intending to avoid it in the future. We should know it well enough to articulate it, understand what instigated it, and identify it the next time it arises so we can go to war with it. Here are three questions that might guide you through the process of looking back:

What was my specific sin?
Why did I sin?
How will I respond the next time this sin tempts me?

Action Two | They Look To God
Ezra then directs them to God. He proclaims God's never-ending faithfulness. This is intentional and purposeful. It's a declaration that God is not the problem; they are. It's a declaration that God has not changed; they have. He is faithful even though they have been unfaithful.

When we are in the valley, it's crucial to see the gap between us and God. God is not like us. He never breaks a promise. He keeps all his covenants. His character never falters. In the gap, we see that every sinful event of this life is the consequence of our sin. And we only understand the reaches of this when we look at God and see him for who he is (and we are not).

Third | They Look Forward

Finally, Ezra wraps up this rededication and confession by putting all their names on a covenant agreement with God. It's a public agreement set to pen and paper. This is powerful. This is not going to be a tongue-in-cheek agreement. It's far more.

I wish churches and believers did this far more often, especially regarding our confession of faith in God and the rededications we make to God. They should be more than just a silent prayer in your seat, a modest raise of a hand, or standing up in your seat. They need to be public declarations of faith that pronounce the old is gone, and a new covenant has come.

Some of you reading this today need this first start or a fresh start with God. You have sat in the valley long enough. You are tired of the old life and ready for a new life with God. If so, maybe now is a time to declare a new covenant with God. If so, do what these people did:

Look back and confess your sins.
Look to God and see his greatness, faithfulness, and justice.
Then look forward and make a new commitment.

And you can do that right here. In the comments below, declare these three things. Me and my team will hear you. We will pray for you. And those reading and listening today will hear your confession and rededication. And then go and sin no more.

#Nehemiah9, #SpiritualJourney, #FacingThePast, #EmbracingFaith, #GodsFaithfulness, #RenewalInChrist, #ConfessionToCovenant, #ChristianGrowth, #BiblicalWisdom

ASK THIS:

In what ways have you, like the Israelites in Nehemiah 9, experienced the consequences of your own sins or the collective sins of your community? Reflect on specific instances where you've recognized this impact. How has acknowledging these sins personally led you to a deeper understanding of God’s grace and mercy in your life?
 

Nehemiah 9 emphasizes the importance of not just acknowledging our sins but also actively rededicating ourselves to God. What does making a "new covenant" with God mean to you in your current spiritual walk? Discuss practical steps you can take as an individual or as a group to publicly affirm and live out this renewed commitment to God and His commandments.

DO THIS: Make a first-time or renewed commitment if you are in the valley.

PRAY THIS: Lord, when I look back on my life and see the mistakes I've made, I ask for Your help. Please give me the humility to ask for Your forgiveness and the courage to follow Your path. Remind me of Your unwavering love and loyalty, and steer me towards a fresh start, living life as You would want me to. Amen.

PLAY THIS: I Will Offer Up My Life.