Read Nehemiah 9:38-10:39
Our next couple readings will be longer than usual, but they include a list of names. Again, I am impressed by the record keeping and how this was shared with us. I have flashbacks to when I would acknowledge a list of people for some accomplishment as a ministry leader. I always feared leaving someone off the list by accident!
Today’s reading calls out those leaders who had vowed their allegiance to God. These leaders were joined by the people who affirmed their participation in this vow of faithfulness. The people must have deemed it necessary to make this promise official with the oath and sealed document.
This was serious business with no room for error. “They swore a curse on themselves if they failed to obey the Law of God as issued by his servant Moses.” This curse shows us just how serious the people were. Have you ever been so dedicated to something or someone that you went to such lengths to make sure you didn’t fail? We might all think of the marriage vow, proving our dedication to our spouse, but I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone to curse themselves if the marriage failed. With the growing rate of divorce, maybe a curse would help since the marriage “vow” doesn’t appear to be working to keep marriages together.
The promises we read in this passage covers much of what God expected of his people. While restating parts of the law of Moses into the format of a vow of faithfulness, the people were acknowledging the importance of God’s law. Do you think they realized how difficult it might be to stay faithful?
I wonder if these promises were also written down so the people would have a physical reminder of what they vowed to do. These practices needed to be relearned and made automatic for God’s people to be faithful to God’s covenant. Having God’s word read to them regularly would keep the God’s decrees close and fresh.
When we spend time in God’s word, our own faithfulness gets a boost. I never want to miss a day of seeing what the Holy Spirit is going to uncover for me. Many people find it hard to find time for their Bible reading. Perhaps they don’t realize how helpful that “boost” can be.
What would your vow of faithfulness look like if you wrote it down today? What are the promises you would want to make to God? What behaviors or activities are you ready to leave behind? Think about that today, and if it would be helpful, write it down and keep it inside your Bible.
Let’s pray. Lord, you are so good and mighty, in control of all things. I am so sorry for the ways that I have fallen short of what you want for me. I know I can’t change the past, but I truly want to do a better job of seeking you first, obeying what you say, and helping others do the same. You have given me so much and I want to show my appreciation. Please accept my sincere gratitude and reverence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
