Rebuilding Mercy

Why is it difficult to keep a commitment? By the time Nehemiah is rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Israel has had a 1000-year history. As the citizens of Judah gathering in Nehemiah 9, they review that history and come to a momentous decision. “In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it.” (Nehemiah 9:38 NIV)

Nehemiah 10-12 recounts the names of those making this commitment before God. It also tells of the promises they make. The question is “Can they keep the agreement they are making?” Can we?