NEHEMIAH 9:16-17

I was reading today in Nehemiah 9-11 and came across vs. 16, 17…

But they and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments. They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them.

I noticed here how the author describes Israel’s actions: presumptuous, stiff necked, disobedient, and not mindful of God’s rescue. Despite this, God doesn’t act according to their sins.

God on the other hand is ready to forgive. He is gracious. He is merciful. Patient. Loving.

I’m continually amazed at God for this. I so often act in response to others actions towards me. I love conditionally. God is entirely different. Because he is love, he acts out of that despite their rejection of him and distrust of him.

He doesn’t return offense for offense. Or slight for slight. He acts not according to their sins as they deserve, but eager to forgive them.

Praise God he is faithful in the midst of my unfaithfulness. That my hope and foundation is rested upon my ability to make the grade but Jesus’s perfect record in my place. Thank you God for being different. For not being like other gods. Thank you for grace!