SPEAKER_00: Good morning, I'm Dan, and welcome to your daily walk.
SPEAKER_00: On Sunday, Pastor Aaron mentioned six verses in Nehemiah chapter 9 that speak to God's compassion and mercy.
SPEAKER_00: We love to talk about these kinds of attributes of the God we serve, but the overarching theme of the chapter is confession and repentance.
SPEAKER_00: Verses 29 through 31 speak of how the Israelites sinned against God's commandments rather than living by them.
SPEAKER_00: In fact, it says the people stiffened their neck and would not obey.
SPEAKER_00: The text goes on to say that God gave them over to the rulers of other nations.
SPEAKER_00: But verse 31 says, Nevertheless, in your great mercy you did not forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.
SPEAKER_00: And it's this verse that reminded me of other Bible characters who reached tremendous lows before turning back to God in repentance.
SPEAKER_00: People like the prodigal son.
SPEAKER_00: The Bible says he squandered his property and reckless living, but when he finally came to his senses, he went to his father, saying, I have sinned against heaven and before you.
SPEAKER_00: Zacchaeus, on the other hand, upon meeting Jesus, repented from extorting and cheating his own people.
SPEAKER_00: How about you?
SPEAKER_00: Have you ever run from God and experienced low to the point you finally repented and were restored by him?
SPEAKER_00: We should be thankful and bow in worship to God, who has dealt mercifully with us, rather than giving us what we deserve.
SPEAKER_00: I close with Psalm eighty-six five, which says, You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
SPEAKER_00: Have a great day.