55-Days Devotional Journey - Day 48
July 18, 2025 (Friday)
Scripture:
"On the seals are the names of Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah, Zedekiah, Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, Pashhur, Amariah, Malchijah, Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch, Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah, Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch, Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin, Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these are the priests. And the Levites: Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel; and their brothers, Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan, Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah, Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah, Hodiah, Bani, Beninu. The chiefs of the people: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani, Bunni, Azgad, Bebai, Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin, Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur, Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai, Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai, Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua, Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub, Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek, Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, Ahiah, Hanan, Anan, Malluch, Harim, Baanah.
"The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all who have separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, their daughters, all who have knowledge and understanding, join with their brothers, their nobles, and enter into a curse and an oath to walk in God's Law that was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord and his rules and his statutes.
Nehemiah 10:1-29 (ESV)
Reflection:
This passage marks a significant moment in Israel's history, a formal, heartfelt recommitment to God's covenant. After hearing the Word, repenting, and acknowledging their past failures, the people didn't stop at confession; they also sought forgiveness. They acted. Together, they renewed their covenant and pledged to obey God's Law.
Notice how all levels of community, leaders, priests, families, and even children, united in this sacred promise. It wasn't just a private matter; it was a communal expression of renewed purpose and mission. Their oath was not taken lightly; it was a solemn, binding commitment to real change, grounded in love for God and a desire to walk in His ways.
At NYCBC, whether we are from CSC, ESC, or MSC, we are one spiritual family. Our unity is not limited to shared events or joint programs; it is a covenantal bond rooted in our everyday obedience to God's Word. We are called not just to gather, but to walk together in truth, to live out God's commands together, and to pursue His mission as one body in Christ.
Reflection Question:
Are there areas in your spiritual journey where your commitment has faded? What might it look like today to renew your covenant with God personally or in community?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being faithful even when we falter. Like the people of Nehemiah's time, we want to renew our covenant with You, not out of obligation, but from love and devotion. Help us walk faithfully in Your Word, uphold Your mission, and honour the calling You've placed on our lives. Rekindle our passion and remind us of the joy that comes from obedience. Unite us as one church, not only in activity, but in wholehearted obedience to Your truth. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
By Pastor Pierre Tang