Our Old Testament reading for today should sound familiar. “And you [God] warned them in order to turn them back to your law. Yet they acted presumptuously and did not obey your commandments, but sinned against your ordinances, by the observance of which a person shall live. They turned a stubborn shoulder and stiffened their neck and would not obey” (Nehemiah 9:29). We’ve heard this story before, of how a rebellious and incorrigible people turned away from God’s will and ignored God’s efforts to bring them back. But Nehemiah has a trick up his sleeve. “You [God] have been just in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly…” (v. 33). Now instead of talking about past generations alone, the author speaks directly to his own audience. This is their story he is telling, these are their sins he is recounting. They, too, are guilty. But there is more.
As God’s people this is our story, too. The account Nehemiah shares is one in which we play a part, even if we are centuries removed from the events. We, too, have fallen short of God’s intentions for our lives. We, too, have displayed stubborn shoulders and stiff necks. But scripture also reminds us of God’s unending love, of the redemption that we have received in Jesus Christ. Even if our history is one of shortcomings God’s story is not completed, for the reign of God will come in its fullness and by grace God’s people will find a home in it. Stiff necks and all.
Prayer: Lord, help us to live away from our sins and toward your coming reign. In joy and thankfulness may we recognize all that you have done for us and the forgiveness that you have shown us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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