September 30

Nehemiah 11-13; Psalm 126
Yesterday I wrote about the covenant the people had signed before God to keep all His commandments.  Yet, in today’s reading we see how they have already broken their promises.  When Nehemiah leaves to fulfill other obligations, the people forsake the Sabbath, and some of the men take on foreign wives.  Upon his return, Nehemiah straightens things out, restoring, once again, the covenant of righteousness they had made to the Lord.  He was a strong leader, and the people needed a strong leader.  It’s no different today.  We need strong leaders, men who are faithful to God, able to lead His people in the ways of righteousness.  When we are blessed with shepherds who take this work seriously, we need to praise God for them, and support their efforts in every way possible.

September 29

Nehemiah 8-10
The people came together and petitioned the Lord as one.  They went over the history of Israel, recounting her wickedness and God’s unfailing faithfulness, as he restored them time and again when they would cry out to Him in their distress.  And then they wrote out a covenant to God, promising to keep His commandments and to not neglect the house of the Lord.  Having produced this written document, they then set about to sign it in agreement.  As I read this, I was reminded of the movie, Courageous.  The fathers made a covenant before God to be godly fathers, fulfilling the spiritual leadership of their homes.  They took the written covenant that had been signed, framed it, and hung it on the wall to be a constant reminder of what they had promised to do.  Not a bad idea!  Perhaps we would do well to follow their example, providing some visual aide to help us remember whom we have covenanted with, and why.

September 28

Nehemiah 6-7
Nehemiah completed the rebuilding of the temple as God had commanded, even though he was faced with danger all along the way.  The people rallied with time, money, and talents in order to accomplish this monumental task.  He then gives all the glory to God!  Many of us have had wonderful accomplishments in our lifetime, be it personal or communal.  Most, if not all of these have come at great cost, with a lot of hard work.  It is my conviction that if they had not cost us anything, they would not be nearly as valuable.  Yet, when all is said and done, to whom do we give the glory?  For, you see, it is also my belief that when we give honor to the Lord who made it possible, the result is all that much more sweet!  We lose nothing by giving Him the glory.  However, we gain much for having done so.

September 27

Nehemiah 1-5
As the people set about the work of rebuilding the temple, they are faced with a constant threat of harm from those surrounding them. God's man, Nehemiah, leads the people in accomplishing this great task. He realizes that it will only be done if Jehovah God is on their side. So, in the presence of all the people, he begins his prayer, “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments . . ." In so doing, he is reminding the people that they are serving an incredibly awesome God who loves them, and He will see their work through to its conclusion! We serve that same God today!

September 26

Ezra 7-10
Harsh repentance is required of the Israelite men who had married foreign women.  In order to find themselves back in God’s good graces, they had to put these wives, along with the children, away.  In other words, they were to divorce them.  There is nothing recorded as to the care of these women and children.  I can’t help but believe that these were pretty angry, not only with their husbands, but the God who would require such a thing.  Is this just?  I’m sure it must be, because the God of heaven and earth decreed it to be so.  These are the sort of things I struggle with as a believer.  Oh, don’t get me wrong, they don’t affect (effect?) my faith.  I just have a difficult time with them because of their harshness.  I understand God’s wanting to keep His people pure.  I get that.  And, maybe if I knew the rest of the story I might not have such a problem with His judgment.  But, I don’t know the rest of the story . . . yet!

September 25

Esther 6-10
The irony of Haman’s plan backfiring could be seen as somewhat humorous.  However, I choose to view it as a very sad event.  Not for Haman, he got what he deserved.  No, I’m sad for the Jews.  They were able to exact revenge.  And, then they went a step further in creating a special feast day celebration to commemorate the event.  I understand that we are to read this as the will of God, and it probably is, however, I still find it to be sad.  Wouldn’t the story have been much better if Mordecai would have extended grace?  What if he would have forgiven the enemies of the Jews and asked the king for equality instead?  Thousands of lives would have been saved.  Perhaps, enemies would have become allies and peace prevailed.  I suppose I’m asking too much.  What do you think?

September 24

Esther 1-5
When Esther approached the king, she knew that there was a high degree of probability that she would be executed.  However, her cause was great and she was willing to sacrifice her life for her people.  Such bravery seems uncommon in one so young.  Yet, God had chosen her for this very purpose.  Had she not taken up the mantle many would have died.  We are not often called upon to risk our lives.  But, we are given the charge to take up every opportunity to promote the gospel.  In order to fulfill this undertaking we expose ourselves to ridicule, shame, and rejection.  None of these feel good.  However, I would much rather face the shame of my fellow man, than to be ashamed before my Lord!  Have you willingly exposed yourself to persecution for the cause of Christ?  If not, won’t you start today?