The Majesty of God

Taught by Annie
Notes by Linda

Today Annie taught on Nehemiah chapter 9, verses 1 through 6. She divided her lesson into two parts. The first section covers verses 1 through 4. These verses will set the scene for what will follow in verses 5 and 6, the glory of God’s creation.

Nehemiah 9:1-4

Annie began with a brief synopsis of chapter 8. In this chapter the Law (Torah) is read two separate times. After reading the law the first time the people are overcome with weeping and mourning over their sin before God. The reading of the law the second time is followed by celebration; specifically the Feast of Tabernacles. In the beginning of chapter 9 the Law is read for the third time.

“Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers. They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God” (Neh. 9:2-3).

An important point that Annie made from these verses was that the time of confession was meant for the Israelite population alone. This gave them a sense of unity, history, and shared community. Annie pointed out that we, as born-again believers, share our spiritual heritage with the Jewish people.

Annie gave us a picture of what it would have been like to be present. The Law was read by the Levites for hours…a quarter of a day!! Verse 4 says that they (the Levites) stood on the stairs to proclaim God’s word. They did not have the sophisticated sound equipment we now have. They also were not speaking in a small auditorium to a few hundred people. The Word was shouted out amongst a crowd of all the Jewish inhabitants of Jerusalem!

Daily time in the Word is important, such as the time one may spend in their daily bible reading. Annie made an important point that protracted time in the word is essential in our walks. When we read the bible in longer blocks of time we will get a broader picture of the work of the Lord, His love, and how He has pursued us through the ages. Annie called attention to a facet of our human nature that might be described as ‘familiarity breeds contempt’. While we may not have contempt for God’s word, our familiarity with it may cause us to gloss over what read or hear. It is important to always be open and focused on what the Lord may speak to us. God’s word should bring us to a place of reverence and worship. This, then, will lead us into a position where we become aware of our sins and are able to confess them before the Lord. Annie also mentioned that the physical posture of the Israelites was to bow with faces to the ground in worship but to have faces raised to heaven while confessing their sins.

Annie reminded us that confession is good for our souls. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The confession of sins stems from a truly repentant heart. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16a). Annie also pointed out that this was a public confession. Hiding sin can result in shame. When it is brought out in to the light freedom will result. She emphasized the need for us to build Christ-centered relationships with others. These is a reciprocal relationship where there is an openness on both sides - where sins can be confessed and prayed for and healing can take place. We know that Jesus’ love for us is unconditional. We are called to love each other as well, not to judge or gossip . Annie reminded us as we do this we are a reflection of Christ’s love.

Nehemiah 9:5-6

"Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. " "Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you” (Neh. 9:5a-6).

These verses are the beginning of a prayer that extends to the end of the chapter. Verse 5 and 6 show how God was glorified in the creation of the physical world. Annie pointed out that God’s hand was just not on the lives of the Israelites but on the whole world as well. (See Genesis 1:1-26.) She taught that these verses are a reminder of what God has done for us. He has filled the world with color and beauty. Annie reminds us that we should not take this for granted as we hurry through our days. She also mentioned that C.S. Lewis referred to the world as the ‘Shadowlands’. The meaning of this is that the earth as we know it is merely a shadow of what will come in eternity. Annie also gave scientific details regarding the precision with which the earth was created. The science of physics tells us that if as little as one part in 1037 of the physical properties of the earth were to change our planet could not support life. Wow!!

Annie taught that the Israelites needed the word read to them to remind them of the obvious – God’s majesty in creation. He did not want them to take it for granted.

Annie ended her lesson with a beautiful video and worship song that emphasized what she had taught. She also encouraged us to read Psalm 104.

“Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains” (Psalm 104:1-6).