Looking Back
Read Nehemiah 8:1–10:39
1. The people assembled again, and this time they fasted and dressed in burlap and sprinkled dust on their heads.
2. Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners as they confessed their own sins and the sins of their ancestors.
3. They remained standing in place for three hours while the Book of the Law of the Lord their God was read aloud to them. Then for three more hours they confessed their sins and worshiped the Lord their God. . . .
10:28. Then the rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, Temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the pagan people of the land in order to obey the Law of God, . . .
29. solemnly promised to carefully follow all the commands, regulations, and decrees of the Lord our Lord. Nehemiah 9:1-3; 10:28-29
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Think back to your childhood or adolescence. What is one lesson you have learned from that time? Get out a photo album if it’ll help. What guiding principle did you pick up from those earlier years?
The Israelites seem to have forgotten the lessons learned from their past, so they ask Ezra to read the Scriptures to them. As the Levites explain the meaning of the passage, the Israelites weep. Nehemiah reminds the people, however, that this is not a time for weeping but for rejoicing. Let this passage prompt you to reflect on the mighty acts God has done for you and the profound lessons he has taught you over the years.
Many prayers and speeches in the Bible include a long summary of Israel’s history. The summary of God’s work in Nehemiah 9:7-38 reminded the people of their great heritage and God’s wonderful promises.
Like the Israelites, we, too, should remember our history. Reviewing the past serves two purposes: (1) it helps us to avoid repeating the mistakes of our past and (2) it shows us the pattern of our spiritual growth. This process, therefore, can strengthen our faith as we remember how God has forgiven us for our sins, and how he has been working in us and through us to make us more like Christ.
Take time to reflect on your personal history, then thank God for what he has done in your life. Learn from your past so that you can live for Christ in the present and become the person God wants you to be in the future.
