“Let your ear be attentive … to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for … the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself … have committed against you.”
Nehemiah 1:6
My favorite line from a hymn comes from “Rock of Ages” (Augustus Toplady, 1776). It says, “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling.” How are we to begin anew in the Christian life if we are attempting to build on delusions of our own self-sufficiency or self-righteousness?
After hearing the bad news about the state of Jerusalem, Nehemiah didn’t start pointing fingers or making excuses. He assumed a priest-like role in confessing the sins of the people of Israel on their behalf. Then quickly he turned to his own sin. He could make no claim upon God based on his own goodness. God will show mercy to those on whom He has mercy.
But there is a secret strength behind our confession of sin. Yes, we make this confession with humility, but we do not make it with despair. In verse 5, Nehemiah calls upon the God “who keeps his covenant of love.” His confession is rooted in hope. We are safe to prostrate our hearts, knowing that our God is willing to meet us in the dust out of total love and for the glory of His name.
After hearing the bad news about the state of Jerusalem, Nehemiah didn’t start pointing fingers or making excuses. He assumed a priest-like role in confessing the sins of the people of Israel on their behalf. Then quickly he turned to his own sin. He could make no claim upon God based on his own goodness. God will show mercy to those on whom He has mercy.
But there is a secret strength behind our confession of sin. Yes, we make this confession with humility, but we do not make it with despair. In verse 5, Nehemiah calls upon the God “who keeps his covenant of love.” His confession is rooted in hope. We are safe to prostrate our hearts, knowing that our God is willing to meet us in the dust out of total love and for the glory of His name.
Scripture Focus
Nehemiah 1:5-7
Insight
Friend, the Son of God traded a crown of glory for a crown of thorns. Confess your sin in this hope.
Bible In A Year
- 1 Samuel 7-8
- Psalm 123
- 2 Corinthians 1
