Nehemiah 8:13-9:12

“They remained standing in place for three hours while the Book of the Law of the LORD their God was read aloud to them. Then for three more hours they confessed their sins and worshiped the LORD their God.” (Nehemiah 9:3, NLT)

As I write this, Asbury University in Kentucky is in the news. What began as a regular chapel at this Christian college turned into an extended time of confession and worship—for two weeks! Some are calling this the Asbury Revival; others are skeptical. I agree that we should “test all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:21), but I also believe that if there is anything of good report or praiseworthy that we should think on these things (Philippians 4:8). As Jesus spoke of the need for discernment among true and false prophets, He said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15-20). I believe we must watch and wait and pray that God gives us His discernment in judging such things. But at this time this pastor is rejoicing that young people (and many others) are seeking the Lord, confessing their sins, and that Christ’s name is being exalted worldwide (Philippians 1:15-18).

Now I bring all this up because of the example of revival that we have in Nehemiah 8-10. Nehemiah had come to rebuild the physical walls of Jerusalem, but in the process God was building the spiritual lives of the people. It would end in chapter 10 with the people renewing their covenant with the LORD to keep His commandments. The true “fruit” of revival is obedience to God. But how do we get there?

It all began when the people gathered in the city square on the first day of the seventh month, and Ezra read the Law of God as Moses had commanded them to do every seven years (Deuteronomy 31:10-13). As they listened to the Word, they were convicted of their sins and began to mourn and weep. But Nehemiah and Ezra told them that this was to be a day of rejoicing and feasting, so they sent them home with instructions to eat, drink and rejoice in the LORD (Nehemiah 8:10-12).

Then the people came back for the Feast of Tabernacles, which was celebrated from the 15th to the 22nd of the month. In addition to dwelling in booths, every day they listened to Ezra reading from the Book of the Law. On the 24th day of the month they assembled with fasting, wearing sackcloth, and putting dust on their heads. They confessed where they had failed to keep God’s covenant and His commandments. The word “confess” means to agree with God. When we say the same thing about our behavior as God says about it, then we are agreeing with God and confessing our sins. This is pure worship because we are removing anything that separates us from God.

Unfortunately, I believe this is scarcely practiced in worship services. But God said that if His people will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways, then He will hear their prayer, forgive their sin, and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). I do not personally believe that we will see widespread revival in our nation until people are first convicted of their sins and make confession part of their worship. I have heard reports that this very thing has been happening in Asbury, which gives me hope. But we don’t have to travel to Kentucky to experience such an awakening. We can have spiritual revival today in our own hearts if we will humble ourselves, seek God’s face, and confess our sins. We can renew our personal dedication to the Lord. This is what genuine revival looks like. And how the church and our nation so desperately need it!