06.19.2015 Old Testament: Neh 9.16–17

To read the Bible in a year, read Nehemiah 9–11 on June 19, In the year of our Lord 2015

By Don Ruhl

Nehemiah 9 records the prayer of Levites after the Jews had rebuilt their wall of protection around Jerusalem. They knew why they had to rebuild the wall, not just because someone tore it down, but why the God of heaven allowed someone to destroy their temple, city, and wall. They knew of their endless rebellion against God and of His endless grace toward them. During the prayer, they spoke of their fathers wanting to return to Egypt,

“But they and our fathers acted proudly,
Hardened their necks,
And did not heed Your commandments.
They refused to obey,
And they were not mindful of Your wonders
That You did among them.
But they hardened their necks,
And in their rebellion
They appointed a leader
To return to their bondage.
But You are God,
Ready to pardon,
Gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger,
Abundant in kindness,
And did not forsake them.”
(Nehemiah 9.16–17) 

Most slaves work to escape slavery, but here the Israelites were working to escape freedom and return to slavery!

Yet, when Christians fall into sin and stay there, they have done the same thing. The Lord saved them from the bondage of sin, giving them freedom in the spirit, but by sin they rebel against that freedom and return to slavery!