Sunday Ponderings ~ Causing the Consequences

Pondering this afternoon on an aspect of repentance that I had not considered before. Our pastor's sermon this morning was based in Nehemiah 9:32-38--the Israelites' confession in the renewal of their covenant with God after they had rebuilt the Jerusalem wall. The people had had a  history of repeated rebellion and repentance in following God and His ways. They are at a point once again of confessing their wrong.

Pastor made three points in regard to their confession. First, they recognized that what had been happening to them over the years was their own fault. That is a vital part of confession--that we accept the blame for whatever mess we find ourselves in, that we not blame shift or divert responsibility away from ourselves.

The third point that our pastor made was that repentance is a turning away from our wrongful, sinful ways, and that we turn toward God's righteous ways. It's the 'put off, put on' principle in biblical counseling. We agree with God that our way was wrong and that His way is right. And we turn and go His way. Yes, God accepts us 'as we are,' but He expects us to work in harmony with the Holy Spirit within us to change into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. So we move in that direction.

I was knowledgeable about the first and third points. The second point was a new thought to me, however. Pastor discussed the Israelites' affirmation of the consequences of their actions.

Behold, we are slaves this day; in the land that you gave to our fathers to enjoy its fruit and its good gifts, behold, we are slaves.  And its rich yield goes to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and over our livestock as they please, and we are in great distress (v. 36-37).

I hadn't actually considered the affirmation of consequences as part of repentance and forgiveness. When I've asked forgiveness from someone, I've typically stated my wrongdoing and asked forgiveness from the person I've sinned against; thus, being brought back into fellowship of spirit with them and with God. But I've not considered the aspect of actually verbalizing  the consequences of my offense. But how necessary that is! To realize and give voice to the harm I've caused. It's more than just an 'oops, sorry about that.' It's the evidence of a contrite heart. A heart after God's heart.

Bottom line for me:  Own up to the harm I've caused. It's the way upward and onward. 

The Readers, 1889 Jacques Emile Blanche 1841-1942

Sunday Ponderings ~ Who Did It?

Pondering some thoughts this evening from the book of Nehemiah. If you're familiar with the Scriptures, you'll recall that the wall had been destroyed around Jerusalem, and God used Nehemiah to rebuild it against great obstacles. Pastor had encouraged us to read through Nehemiah during the week to get the big picture of what had happened.

As I read, and as pastor pointed out today, the book of Nehemiah is really about what God did, not about what Nehemiah did. He was simply an instrument in the hands of our redeeming God. I was glad to be reminded of that.

As I've pondered more about it, it struck me that Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the king, not a master builder. God used him outside of his "professional field." It is God who overcomes the obstacles and accomplishes the impossible, not ourselves.

Nehemiah had a heart for the work, but where did that compassion originate? From God the Father. Too often there's much made of "heroes of the Bible," people that God used mightily to accomplish His plans. But not all were eager for the work. Moses, Gideon, Jonah, are a few who come readily to mind. And the Apostle Paul had to be blinded before he saw the light. But for whatever reason, God chose to use them. He also chooses to use those who are willing for the work, like Nehemiah. I'd rather be a willing one, but I know that oftentimes I'm not. God goes on with His plans, nevertheless.

Far better to point ourselves and our children to the God of the "heroes" rather than to the heroes themselves. Our strength and success is from God.

"O Lord, I beseech You, may Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere Your name, and make Your servant successful today and grant him compassion before this man.” (Nehemiah 1:11)

Nehemiah's success was not "his ability to motivate others; his resilience to opposition; his practical, balanced grip on reality," as someone described him (not my pastor). It was not his ability, his resilience, his grip on reality, but rather God who gave success to His intended purpose.

So I ask myself...

Is it about me, or is it about God?
Do I shrink from a task because I don't feel qualified?
Do I try to muster up success-producing personal characteristics?
Do I look to my own qualifying characteristics, or do I look to God to strengthen me for the task He assigns to me?
Do I encourage myself and others in trust and obedience to the God of the Bible?

Painting ~ A Young Lady Reading in an Interior, George Goodwin Kilburne 1839-1924