Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 9:22-38; 1 Timothy 6:3-21

They ate and were filled and became fat and delighted themselves in your great goodness. Nevertheless, they were disobedient and rebelled against you. (Nehemiah 9:25-26)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Nehemiah is a record of the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Israelites’ exile to Babylon. They rebuild the city and her walls, but also restore faithful worship. As part of this worship and restoration, they confess their sins against the Lord. This chapter of Nehemiah is a very good confession.

They recount all the mighty works of the Lord, which were then met with disobedience and rebellion. This is how you should confess your sins, too. Remember what the Lord has done for you, and how you rebelled against Him. He has given you all that you need, and yet you have gone looking for satisfaction elsewhere. There’s no room for half confessions of things that aren’t really sinful. The Lord wants to hear your honest confession. You are a sinner. The Lord forgives sins. You can be honest and open about your confession, as much as the returned exiles in Jerusalem were.

The Lord is not out to ruin your fun with His Law. The Ten Commandments are actually good for your life, and if you followed them, you’d be happy. Our problem is that we think we’ve got something better. Did you ever notice that there are even two commandments against coveting? That means that the Lord really wants you to be happy with what He’s given you!

And yet, we rebel. We walk away from Him every day. We turn away from Him. We are Israelites ready for exile. That is good news, for the Lord never abandons His people. He will not abandon you. Turn back to Him. Repent and be restored. His Law is good. He is good. There really is nothing better out there than what He has given you.

Your life will be better if you keep His rules. And when you do not keep them, He is always waiting to forgive you, for He never stops loving you. Give it a try. Make a good confession to the Lord who loves you and has given everything for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

To those who help in Christ have found and would in works of love abound it shows what deeds are His delight and should be done as good and right. (“The Law of God Is Good and Wise” LSB 579, st.3)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch