Have you read those few verses from Nehemiah yet? They're amazing, aren't they? It's the story of a mass Bible study. Ezra and Nehemiah and a slew of trained Bible teachers fan out to instruct God's people about the will and commands of the Lord. All the ten big ones and others are thrown in for good measure. The reaction? The people are floored. Shocked. Broken. Uncontrollably crying and grieving over their sins.
But those amazing Bible teachers don't rub it in. Or add fuel to the fire. No adding insult to injury. Nor toss handfuls of salt in other's wounds. Rather, they say this--"'...do not mourn or weep'. For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law...'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready. For this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength'...And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them" (Neh. 8: 9-12).
In other words, stop moping around. Cease constant looking in the rearview mirror of life. Trust your Lord. When He forgives, He does just that. Plus, He never marks the spot. Over and out. Kaput.
Take Him at His word for a change. Stop griping, already. Gaze forward with a big smile on your face. You're forgiven. You're loved. You're free. Count on it. Not 'it'. But on Jesus who loves to keep His Word with each of His own. That's you, right? Me, too!
No doubt I'll still look back once in a while, but unlike Lot's wife who looked backward way too longingly, it's time for me to laugh more and enjoy the life the Lord has given me. Good idea? You think?
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your gift of new life. Amen.
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