It was in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the capital, 2 that Hanani, one of my kinsmen, came out of Y’hudah with some men; and I asked them about the remnant of Judeans who had escaped the exile, and about Yerushalayim. 3 They answered me, “The remnant of the exile left there in the province are in great distress and are held in contempt, the wall of Yerushalayim is in ruins, and its gates have been completely burned up.”
4 On hearing this answer, I sat down and wept; I mourned for several days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 I said, “Please, Adonai! God of heaven! You great and fearsome God, who keeps his covenant and extends grace to those who love him and observe his mitzvot! 6 Let your ear now be attentive and your eyes be open, so that you will listen to the prayer of your servant, which I am praying before you these days, day and night, for the people of Isra’el your servants — even as I confess the sins of the people of Isra’el that we have committed against you. Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have deeply offended you. We haven’t observed the mitzvot, laws or rulings you ordered your servant Moshe. 8 Remember, please, the word you gave through your servant Moshe, ‘If you break faith, I will scatter you among the peoples; 9 but if you return to me, observe my mitzvot and obey them, then, even if your scattered ones are in the most distant part of heaven, nevertheless, I will collect them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen for bearing my name.’ 10 Now these are your servants, your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and strong hand. 11 Adonai, please, let your ear now be attentive to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who take joy in fearing your name: please let your servant succeed today and win this man’s compassion” — for I was the king’s personal attendant.
RG AUDIO 050515
"Confessing For Others" by Author: Maureen McClain
When I was a child, it didn’t seem fair that the entire class should have to stay after school because a few kids misbehaved. The thought of identifying myself with them never occurred to me.
However, Nehemiah confessed the sins of all Israel as though he himself had committed them. So did Ezra (Ezra 9:6-7), and Daniel (Daniel 9:10-11, 10). They were grieved by their people’s sins, and accepted the blame for the sins of many in order to ask God’s forgiveness. The Lord Jesus Himself did the same. He “was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12) He was willing to accept the punishment due others for sins He hadn’t committed.
It is this quality of compassion that should drive us to intercede for others in our communities. As a child, I was more likely to tell the teacher who the transgressors were, simply to keep myself out of trouble. Now, I realize I must identify myself with them and grieve over their sins, asking God for forgiveness.
Hymn for Today: "God, my King, thy might confessing"
1. God, my King, thy might confessing,
ever will I bless thy Name;
day by day thy throne addressing,
still will I thy praise proclaim.
2. Honor great our God befitteth;
who his majesty can reach?
Age to age his works transmitteth,
age to age his power shall teach.
3. They shall talk of all thy glory,
on thy might and greatness dwell,
speak of thy dread acts the story,
and thy deeds of wonder tell.
4. Nor shall fail from memory's treasure
works by love and mercy wrought,
works of love surpassing measure,
works of mercy passing thought.
5. Full of kindness and compassion,
slow to anger, vast in love,
God is good to all creation;
all his works his goodness prove.
6. All thy works, O Lord, shall bless thee:
thee shall thy saints adore:
King supreme shall they confess thee,
and proclaim thy sovereign power.
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