Gba ohun èlò náàNehemiah: God's Invitation to RebuildÀpẹrẹ
Confession
As a person of faith, serving in a local church and seeking to live a life pleasing to the Lord, I’m struck by how often many believers neglect to focus on confession and fasting. Both are prominent in Scripture, even the book of Nehemiah. In fact, Nehemiah recorded one of the longest prayers in the Bible in which he discussed confession and fasting.
Confession happens when we admit to actions and behaviors that do not glorify the Lord; in other words, confession is admitting to violating God's laws. We are broken humans, which allows our pride and ignorance to get in the way of confession in a Biblical community. Because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, we now have grace that covers every single one of our sins. Our confession is the obedient response and worship to what Christ did.
Fasting is similar; fasting is good, profitable, and beneficial for Christians. Although it is not a command from God, it is glorifying to Him and takes our attention away from worldly things to refocus. Confession and fasting are both acts of worship to God. Nehemiah’s prayer in chapter 9 was a shout of praise to God, saying, "Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessings and praise". When we confess and fast, God receives our prayer as praise.
- Is there unconfessed sin in your life? Confess it in prayer.
- Is it possible that God is calling you to a period of fasting?
Prayer: Lord, you reign above every sin I've ever committed. Thank you for being a faithful Father.
Bonus Reading: Matthew 6:9-13; 2 Timothy 2:19
Ìwé mímọ́
Nípa Ìpèsè yìí
Often touted as a “leadership” book, Nehemiah is rich in application. The way Nehemiah led the exiled Israelites in Persia to rebuild and reoccupy Jerusalem was as much an exercise in surrender and supplication as it was leadership and strategy. In this 21-day reading plan, we’ll look to Nehemiah as a role model in prayer, obedience, perseverance, and, yes, leadership.
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