Passage
Nehemiah 8:13-9:5 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
Confession, Worship and Joy
Date: Nov. 12, 2014
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 9:3
First, the joy of obeying God's command (8:13-18). While reading God's Law, the people found the command to live in temporary booths to remember their flight from Egypt. So they collected branches and lived in booths. They had not celebrated this festival like this since Joshua's time. When they obeyed God's word, their joy was very great. Obeying God's commands gives great joy.
Second, confession and worship (9:1-5). In a spirit of repentance with fasting, sackcloth and dust, they confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. Israelites separated themselves from foreigners as a sign of holiness. They spent a fourth of the day reading God's word and a fourth in confession and worship. The Levites led them to stand and praise the everlasting God.
Prayer: Lord, I confess my many sins before your word. Lead me to great joy in obeying you.
One Word: Their joy was very great
