God Meets Rebellion with Steadfast Love

Called Into Covenant with God

God's Covenant with the Returned Exiles

Nehemiah 9:26-31The Message

26-31 But then they mutinied, rebelled against you,
    threw out your laws and killed your prophets,
The very prophets who tried to get them back on your side—
    and then things went from bad to worse.
You turned them over to their enemies,
    who made life rough for them.
But when they called out for help in their troubles
    you listened from heaven;
And in keeping with your bottomless compassion
    you gave them saviors:
Saviors who saved them
    from the cruel abuse of their enemies.
But as soon as they had it easy again
    they were right back at it—more evil.
So you turned away and left them again to their fate,
    to the enemies who came right back.
They cried out to you again; in your great compassion
    you heard and helped them again.
    This went on over and over and over.
You warned them to return to your Revelation,
    they responded with haughty arrogance:
They flouted your commands, spurned your rules
    —the very words by which men and women live!
They set their jaws in defiance,
    they turned their backs on you and didn’t listen.
You put up with them year after year
    and warned them by your spirit through your prophets;
But when they refused to listen
    you abandoned them to foreigners.
Still, because of your great compassion,
    you didn’t make a total end to them.
You didn’t walk out and leave them for good;
    yes, you are a God of grace and compassion.

For Reflection

God never gave up on Israel and God will never give up on you.  No matter what you have done, God's unconditional love follows you. When times are hard, ask, and God will come.  When times are plentiful, remember your God Story.  Keep your faith in words of praise and thanksgiving for God's gifts.

Pray

Pray praise and thanksgiving for God's bountiful grace.  Pray that in collaboration with God you will grow into grace.