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t our church, we have what is called our "Church Covenant" which supposedly all our members
hold to... or at least aspire to do so. It is a wonderfully written document. But
naturally, it is of no value at all if we don't pay attention to what is in it
and if we don't strive to live up to it. Now, we don't require new members to
sign a document assuring us that they will strive to keep our covenant,
however, the people of Ezra and Nehemiah's day did sign on the dotted line.
This chapter records for us just how serious these Jews were in their desire to
live holily.
There were
over 80 men who signed this ancient Declaration of Faith and many more who
vocally vowed to attach
their loyalty to it
as well (Nehemiah 10:28 - 29). They agreed to live by the Law of God and
of Moses. Most specifically they covenanted together
on a few very particular rules. They were not
to give their children to heathen for marriages. They would keep the Sabbath by
refraining from business transactions on Saturdays. They promised to forgive
debts every seventh year. And, they planned to give tithes and offerings
sufficient for the maintenance of temple worship. Perhaps their ability to live up to these commitments would shortly prove lacking, but at least they sincerely intended to do right this time. Their initial devotion was well
directed. Such initial nobility is not
redemptive; but it is a necessary evidence
of true faith
(Revelation 22:17).
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