Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Monday, May 16, 2016
Today’s Scripture Focus: Nehemiah 8:1-10
We are focusing on sin recovery principle number four of 12: “We are submitting to an honest self-inventory as the Holy Spirit makes us more aware.”
Today’s Scripture reading is one of the most favorable pictures of how one would ideally respond when faced with the reality of God’s Word.
There are times in our lives that we will necessarily come face-to-face with the errors of our ways. As we have said in recent devotional thoughts, we are confronted with an accurate reflection of our characters as with a mirror and have a decision to make. Will we close our eyes and pretend the mirror is not there, walking away to our demise? Will we see the flaws in our reflections and thank God for His revelation and willingness to transform us into the image of His dear Son?
Those in attendance at the special assembly cited in our theme verses received a collective revelation through the reading and public interpretation of the Word of God. With open arms, they accepted the law’s teachings and mourned as they recognized how short of God’s ideal they had fallen. And the governor, resident priest and scribe, and Levites encouraged those repentant souls not to mourn or weep anymore. They were to see their experience as joyful because their hearts were convicted to do God’s will. This is the best position one can occupy. When we hear God’s desires for us and realize how short we have fallen of them, as long as we are submissive to the changes God would love to make in our lives, the joy of the Lord will be our strength. There is joy in heaven over anyone who repents.
So why not take a page of the people’s book from this story? Why not daily cultivate a receptive spirit to God’s Word and interpretation? Why not turn your weeping into joy as you accept His power to transform you. If you are submissive to God’s will in your life, rejoice! If you choose to turn away from your sins so you can serve God in whatever way He directs, celebrate! For salvation has come to your house.
