"Many years you bore with them and warned them by your Spirit through your prophets. Yet they would not give ear. Therefore you gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands. Nevertheless, in your great mercies you did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God. 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 kinds, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers, and all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day."
Surprise! We are back in Nehemiah, so today's post will be shorter. From where we ended yesterday in verse 19, Nehemiah continues tracing the line of God's faithfulness. For forty years, God faithfully led Israel through the wilderness; they had manna and water, their clothes didn't wear out, their feet didn't swell. They lacked nothing. They were victorious in battles, both to and in the promised land. The Israelites took possession of the land, and God overpowered anything that might stand in their way. They were given cities, possessions, cisterns already dug, vineyards already flourishing, orchards already producing. The Israelites ate until they were full, became fat and sassy, enjoying the goodness of God. But (and you knew this was coming) it didn't last. They couldn't stay faithful because they didn't even try. They threw the law of God behind their back, hoping to claim an "ignorance is bliss" defense. So, they got their just rewards. And they called out to God and He sent them help; MANY TIMES God delivered them according to His mercies. God would warn them, while they were near, to follow the law made for their good; but they would once again offer God a cold shoulder and a stiff neck. Still, because God is gracious and merciful, He did not wipe them off the face of the earth, or even leave them for one minute. In verse 32, Nehemiah admits they are living the exact same story. They have disobeyed, they are facing hardship by their own fault, and they have called out in repentance. Nehemiah turns from rehearsing their history to requesting the same stubborn, dedicated, true, unyielding love and promise for them now.
The verse that moved me to tears was just past our selected verses. Nehemiah 9:36 "Behold, we are slaves this day; in the land that you gave to our fathers to enjoy its fruit and it's good gifts, behold, we are slaves." God intends for us to live in freedom. His virtues of grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, dedicated love are all offered for. our. freedom. Yet, how often do I stand in the wide open freedom of His presence--a slave? Giving to others--other people, other things--the allegiance I owe only to the Giver of all good things. He is God most gracious, God most merciful, God most stubbornly loving. He does not leave us even for one minute.
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