Read
Nehemiah 10:28–39
Consider
It is in the Gospel of Luke that we get a slight variation in what Jesus says about taking up the cross. Here is Luke 9:23—Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (emphasis added). It’s that word daily that gives us a fresh perspective to understand what Jesus is saying.
In the sermon for November 6 and in the Community Groups that will study the text from Nehemiah 10, we will examine the idea of covenant. Covenant is a key concept in the Old Testament. God makes promises and asks us to offer our commitment in return. For example, the Ten Commandments is a statement of the covenant entered into by God and that nation of slaves called The Hebrews whom God redeems from Egypt.
Perhaps it’s just me, but I doubt it. When I think of God’s covenant with me and with us, it seems to me that I need the reminder on a daily basis of what God has done for me and what God expects from me in response. We are going to look on Sunday at the way in which Nehemiah led the people to renew their covenant with God and what that meant to them. In a sentence here’s what I hope we will all understand: for this time and place we need to renew our covenant with God, we need to make a vow, to be focussed, to know that this is a matter of love put into action. And I know for me, I need to do this each day!
It’s been two months plus since I was last with you. I am looking forward to seeing more of you in person and am also glad that technology allows some of you to worship virtually. In person or on-line, see you Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
The Rev. Dr. Bill Norman
Pray
Here is a prayer to use in your personal worship this week:
Loving God, bless me with a reminder early in the day of your grace, your providence, your care in my life. And then, O God, bless the remainder of the day with a response of gratitude from my heart and mind and soul that is seen in every attitude and action of that day. This is my prayer, in Jesus’s name. Amen.
