I was amazed at the parallels between the readings of Nehemiah and Psalms today. (The Holy Spirit is so obviously at work throughout this entire book, God's Holy Word!)
In Nehemiah we see that the walls have been completed and now the children of Israel are seeking to start things off again on a right note with God. They have had their time of rejoicing and celebration, feasting and merriment. Now they are fasting in sackcloth. They begin by taking time to confess His faithfulness over the generations. They also confess their unfaithfulness and their sins... they humble their hearts.
In Psalm 78 we see a retelling of Israel's rich history along with confessions of Israel's continual backsliding and unfaithfulness and yet God's mercy every time they repented.
In both instances, in Nehemiah and Psalms, we find rejoicing in a God of mercy who hears His people and forgives their sins.
I read the following from the pen of Inspiration:
"For those who are convicted of sin and weighed down with a sense of their unworthiness, there are lessons of faith and encouragement in this record. The Bible faithfully presents the result of Israel’s apostasy; but it portrays also the deep humiliation and repentance, the earnest devotion and generous sacrifice, that marked their seasons of return to the Lord.
Every true turning to the Lord brings abiding joy into the life. When a sinner yields to the influence of the Holy Spirit, he sees his own guilt and defilement in contrast with the holiness of the great Searcher of hearts. He sees himself condemned as a transgressor. But he is not, because of this, to give way to despair; for his pardon has already been secured. He may rejoice in the sense of sins forgiven, in the love of a pardoning heavenly Father. It is God’s glory to encircle sinful, repentant human beings in the arms of His love, to bind up their wounds, to cleanse them from sin, and to clothe them with the garments of salvation." (Prophets and Kings, p. 668)We have such a merciful God! I know that I don't deserve His mercy... I am a great sinner, and I have committed sins that I'm so ashamed to think of... but God forgives! And He has forgiven. And His mercy is truly new every morning. I am so grateful we serve a merciful God!
Tomorrow's Reading: Neh. 11-12 and Luke 9
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