September 20th~Because We Love Him

Nehemiah 8:13-10:39

The people of Jerusalem celebrated the Festival of Shelters. To commemorate the exodus, “the people cut branches and used them to build shelters on the roofs of their houses, in their courtyards, in the courtyards of the Temple, and in the city squares. Everyone who had returned from captivity lived in these shelters for seven days...” (8:16, 17). Ezra the scribe read from the book of law of God on each of the seven days, as was prescribed by God. The people also confessed their sins and worshiped the Lord; and everyone was filled with great joy!

After the seven days were completed, the leaders held an assembly to praise God. “Praise His glorious name,” they shouted. “It is far greater than we can think or say. You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve and give life to everything, and all the angels of heaven worship you. You are the Lord God... and You have done what You promised, for You are always true to Your word” (9:5-8).

The leaders recounted to the people the details of the exodus, the miracles of God, the covenant He made with their ancestors, and how they neglected Him and His laws. They also reminded the people of their national sins, God’s just punishments, and His mercy to spare them. “What a great and merciful God you are!” (9:31).

As a result of all that God had done for them, the people vowed to “accept the curse of God if they failed to obey the law of God as issued by His servant Moses. They solemnly promised to carefully follow all the commands, laws, and regulations of the Lord” (10:29). They were serious enough about this pledge that they and their leaders put it in writing (9:38). They genuinely wanted to obey God’s instructions.

Daily Reflection

Is obedience to God’s instructions important to the Christian life today? Why or why not? If so, what is the motivation to obey the Lord?

Of course obedience to God is important but why? We no longer obey God’s commands because we have to (out of duty) but because we want to. Our motivation to obey is love. Jesus said, “Those who accept My commandments and obey them are the ones who love Me” (John 14:21; 1 John 5:2, 3). Our motivation to obey is gratefulness for what He has done for us.

What does your obedience to the Lord demonstrate to those around you?

Obeying the Lord glorifies Him in the eyes of others. He also promises to bless us for obedience. “Do not merely listen to the word... Do what it says... Whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it, not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it, they will be blessed in what they do” (James 1:22-25).

How obedient have you been to the instructions God has for you? Do you take seriously His expectations or do you shrug them off? Can a disobedient child honor his parents? Honor the Lord by being obedient to His words.

BiAY.org |Day 263 — 102 Days to Go