You Ain't Shoutin' Yet?

Nehemiah 9:16-17
But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

As I read the scripture today I want to shout! First, go back and read what God had done for the children of Israel. He chose them and brought them out of bondage. He lead them to a land that flowed with milk and honey. He removed those that were in it and gave the land unto them. He blessed and blessed them more than they could have ever imagined. Oh what a God we serve! He has done this very thing for us as well. He redeemed us from the death and slavery of sin. He leads us into a better life through walking with Him. So amazing is our God.

But look at what these scriptures tell us. After every thing that God had done for them, they dealt proudly with God. They walked away from His commandments. They didn't even care about the wonders and creation of God. Even in their rebellion, they appointed a captain who brought them back into bondage. Doesn't this want to make you shout, "What are you thinking!?"

But my reason for shouting comes next in the scriptures... "But thou art a God ready to pardon , gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not" Come on now! That ought to make even the deadiest person shout! Although they rebelled, He was ready!  Although they sinned, He pardoned.  Although they were unmerciful, He was merciful. Although they hardened their necks, He reached down His hand. Although they forsook Him, He didn't forsake them.

You ain't shoutin' yet? Oh, what a God we serve! He's ready to pardon! He's gracious and merciful! He's slow to anger and of great kindness! He has never left you or forsaken you! What about now? Shoutin' yet? You should be!