God presents many valuable lessons to learn from the past. He also teaches us the value of preparing for the future. A future in heaven, yes, but also preparing for the various stages of life on this earth. But what of the present? What about for “today?” What can we take care of “today” in these moments set before us?  

Here We Are, Servants Today

In Nehemiah chapters nine and ten, the generation that returned from captivity held a great assembly. On the 24th day of the month, many expressed great remorse for their sins and the iniquities of their fathers (Neh. 9:1-2). While standing in their place, the Book of the Law was read for a fourth of the day, and another fourth, they worshiped the LORD their God (Neh. 9:3-4). Moreover, leaders among them cried out with a loud voice to God. The Levites also commanded the assembly to stand up and bless the LORD. That is when the children of Israel were reminded of their spiritual history: of blessings, opportunities, abilities, responsibilities, failures, and God’s faithfulness (Neh. 9:5-35). The people renewed their Covenant with the LORD (Neh. 9:36-10:39), declaring, “Here we are, servants today! And the land you gave to our father, to eat its fruit and its bounty, here we are, servants in it! And it yields much increase to the kings You have set over us, because of our sins; Also, they have dominion over our bodies and our cattle at their pleasure; and we are in great distress. And because of all this, we make a sure covenant and write it; Our leaders, our Levites, and our priests seal it.” (Neh. 9:36-38) Taking the time to approach God with reverence, humility, and mindfulness of our spiritual heritage with Him, along with rededicating ourselves to Him and His terms of the Covenant – we may do just that TODAY! We may also call upon God to take note of our resolve to serve Him TODAY!! 

Today, If You Will Hear His Voice

The call to worship God and obey Him is inspiring but also necessitates responsibility and accountability. Psalm ninety-five implores readers to sing to the LORD, shout joyfully to the Rock of salvation, and come before His presence with thanksgiving! There are excellent reminders of God creating the hills, the sea, dry land, and mankind (Psa. 95:1-5). There is even an extolling of God’s special relationship with His people (Psa. 95:7). But His people were also warned to learn from their spiritual forefathers. “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in the day of trial in the wilderness, When your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My work.” (Psa. 95:6-9) The warning continues by telling how God grieved the generation that wandered in the wilderness because they went astray in their hearts. As a result, many of God’s covenant people did not enter His rest (Psa. 95:10-11). So, along with the grand call to worship the Almighty comes a warning against going astray within our hearts. Moreover, “Today, if you will hear His voice: Do not harden your hearts…” We can hear the LORD’s voice TODAY! With blessing and opportunity, accept the responsibility of sober thinking TODAY!!

God presents many valuable lessons to learn from the past. He also teaches us the value of preparing for the future. A future in heaven, yes, but also preparing for the various stages of life on this earth. But what of the present? What about for “today?” What can we take care of “today” in these moments set before us?