Confess, Worship, Praise

[1] Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them. [2] And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. [3] And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God. [4] Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God. [5] Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. Nehemiah 9:1-5

Here we have a picture of the children of Israel getting right with God. The wall is built and prepared with guards to protect the area. It is now time for the people to be “built up” in the Lord. It is time for them to draw nigh to God so He will draw nigh (get close) to them (James 4:8).

What were the steps that were taken to accomplish this task?

~ Fasted – The act of abstaining from food.

~ Stood and confessed their sins and the sins of their fathers.

~ Read the book of the law for ¼ of the day – earnestly striving to know what God wanted them to do

~ Confessed – asked for forgiveness

~ Worshipped God after reading the word and confessing their sin

~ Praised His glorious name

Each step taken was toward God and away from self.

Today as one speaks to a Christian most of the “buzz” words spoken are praise and worship. Not much is said in regard to repentance, confession, fasting. As with everything Christianity is not just one or two items, but a multitude of things that need to be together. One cannot truly worship and praise God without repenting (to turn away) of sin and asking God for forgiveness.

As with the Israelites of this time Christians need to be in tune with God. We need to examine ourselves and make sure our motives are right before God.

[23] Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: [24] And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

Have a blessed day,
Donna