Day 147

Covenant Renewal

Read: Nehemiah 10-11

The details of the covenant mentioned in Nehemiah 8-9 are now spelled out. The first promise was to be obedient to all of God’s commandments. The second was to avoid intermarriage with unbelievers, which had been a source of introducing pagan ways in the past. The third was the promise to keep the Sabbath. The fourth was to bring tithes and offerings faithfully for maintaining the temple and for the sacrifices to be made there.

Spiritual renewal in our day must take the shape which will be given to it by the Spirit of God. New days provide new opportunities. But the elements of Ezra’s revival are applicable today. We must regulate our lives by the commandments of God rather than by the practices of men. We must build strong Christian homes, which is only possible when both husband and wife are dedicated to Christ. We must take time to be holy. God has given us one special day in seven not for sharing in the entertainment provided by the world but to refresh body and soul in worship. We must give generously because there are so many opportunities to spread the gospel. A church interested not only in maintaining itself but in Christ’s global mission will be an obedient church.

PRAYER
We pray for spiritual renewal in the church that will enable us to meet the challenges of today. Amen.