Bible Study: Rejoice in Forgiveness
Date: Jun 9th, 2008 8:48:13 am - Subscribe
Mood: loopy
Rejoice in Forgiveness 06.09.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Monday June 9, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Nehemiah. Please reach Chapters 7-8 in your Bible or Click Here to read.
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Today we will read and learn about Nehemiah's appointment of leaders; the genealogy of the returned exiles; Scriptures read and explained; and the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that when we confess our sins and repent that we are forgiven forever. We need to enjoy the fact that our sin is no more visible to God.
The ultimate purpose of God for His people was more than the restoration of His Temple and the walls of Jerusalem. These man-made structures were powerless to protect the Israelites from their enemies unless the people knew and obeyed the Word of God.
The Hebrew language in which the Book of the Law was written was no longer the common language of the people. During their captivity, they spoke Aramaic, which was the international trade language used by the Aramaeans (Syrians), Persians, and Babylonians at that time. Thousands of Jews assembled in Jerusalem day after day from sunrise until noon to hear Ezra and the Levites read and explain the Book of the Law. This resulted in a renewal of the Covenant relationship of the Israelites with God and the restoration of scriptural worship. "And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law." (Nehemiah 8:1-3).
As Ezra and other Levites read the Book of the Law it was explained to them and as a result they were overwhelmed with guilt and sorrow when the reading of the Law revealed their sin against God. "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law." (8:8-9).
The Jews continued to weep exceedingly after hearing how they had violated the Lord's Commandments. Once they confessed their sins and repented Ezra told the people not to weep any longer over past sins. "Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (8:10). They had extraordinary reasons for joy. God had delivered them from Babylon and had prospered them and protected them in building the Temple and in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem even though they were threatened with violent opposition.
Since the Lord has accepted us, we should accept ourselves as well as all others. All the Lord's people are likewise taught that if we confess our sins and repent that the sins are no more in God's eyes and we are to joy in that fact. If we are not enjoying our growing relationship with the Lord, it could be because of a lack of prayer or reading His Word or not recognizing how evil an unconfessed sin is. We who have experienced redemption from Satan's captivity have been delivered from all sin to serve the Savior. "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:22-24).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You, Jesus for giving Your life so that I could be forgiven. Though my sins were as scarlet they are washed white as snow, cleansed by Your saving blood. You turned my hopeless condition into a life full of hope for this life and glorious anticipation for eternal life beyond the grave. Nothing in all of history will ever compare to the Divine Exchange where my sins were exchanged for Your pardon. In Your mighty name, Jesus, I pray......Amen.
Have a great and mighty day!
God bless,
Christina
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