Exile Jews who returned to Jerusalem (their homeland) also renewed their covenant with God. They promised to follow God’s rule of marriage and they also promised to obey his requirement to keep the Sabbath Day holy. The people said,
“if the peoples of the land brought wares or any grain to sell on the Sabbath day, we would not buy it from them on the Sabbath, or on a holy day; and we would forego the seventh year’s produce and the exacting of every debt” (Nehemiah 10:31).
Lesson:
God is willing to work with any Christian who is determined to serve him well. He will also work with a backslidden Christian who chooses to repent from his sin. Jehovah will accept a repentant sinner in a way that is similar to the story of the Prodigal Son in the bible (Luke 15:11-32). A person who repents from his sins, and serves God well will not be condemned on God’s day of judgment. The person will find his place with God in heaven.
Prayer:
Dear God, please give me a heart that follows your instructions. Help me to humbly repent from my sins and turn a new leaf so that I can qualify for your kingdom. Forgive my past sins and guide me to start living a new life of holiness before you. Please let my ways satisfy you on earth so that I can qualify for your eternal kingdom. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
