Day 27: To Recover Everything – Part Two

See, we are servants this day, and as for the land that You gave to our fathers, to eat its fruit, and its good, see, we are servants in it. And it yields much increase to the kings whom You have set over us because of our sins; also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress. And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal to it. (Neh. 9:36-38)

This is one of the most touching pictures in the whole Book of Nehemiah. The people have confessed their sins before the Lord and are lamenting their condition. Still, they unite themselves together in a fresh covenant to forsake sin and serve God. Knowing the mercy of God, they reach out to Him for a change in their circumstances. They realized that for too long they had been living below the level of their inheritance.

The Church calls mankind to God and then helps people experience the fullness of the inheritance He has for them. Are people living shattered lives of servitude? The Church alone can show them the path of freedom, hope, and blessing.

Father, make us a church that teaches people how to enjoy the fruit and the good things of Your Kingdom.