The Three R's

             In the book of Nehemiah, the author recounts some of the history of the Israelites.  He credits God, and rightly so, for delivering them from slavery in Egypt, for leading them into the promised land, and for giving them victories over kingdoms and nations (Nehemiah 9:7-30).  In those same passages, he describes the people’s arrogance, disobedience, and stubbornness, which resulted in their rebellion against God.  They continuously rejected Him and His representatives.

            With their rebellion came times of trouble, and when they were ultimately brought to their knees, then came repentance.  Nehemiah said that when they were oppressed, they cried out to God.  What did God do?  He rescued them!

            Then, unfortunately, the cycle began all over again.  Rebellion, Repentance, and Rescue—the 3 R’s! Sound familiar? They should because we’ve all been there.  Things start going well in our lives, so we get the idea that we can handle things on our own.  Maybe we skip a few church services or stop praying as often.  Maybe we stop reading the Bible—after all, we’ve read it all before.  Maybe we decide to test the waters of one vice or another.  Whatever the choice, it all adds up to Rebellion.

            Then, when the bottom falls out, we turn to the only One who can rescue us.  We want Him to fix everything, so we repent, ask for forgiveness, and vow to do better.  Then, like the merciful God that He is, He comes to our Rescue, pulling us out of the “slimy pit” we’ve gotten ourselves into.  He may not make our lives perfect again, but He reminds us that He is with us in the “fire”.

            Too bad that’s not the end of the story.  Unfortunately, like the Israelites, we often make the 3 R’s a pattern in our lives.  Thankfully, God is patient, but there will come a day when His patience will end, so maybe we need to do everything we can, with His help, to break the stronghold of Rebellion. Thankfully, God gives us the other two “R’s” to deliver us from the first.

            Perhaps the most comforting thing that Nehemiah says in that entire chapter is this: “But in great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God” (Nehemiah 9:31 NIV84).

            Thank God every day that He is a merciful God who will welcome our repentance and restore us!

Nehemiah 9:7 - 31

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