When the rebuilding of the walls was complete, Nehemiah started the Israelites back on the path that they had veered from. With the reading of the Law by Ezra, the people were reminded where they came from, how they got off track, and how God had faithfully been there through it all. It was time, however, to do things differently and to recommit to living the way God desired His people to live. Sometimes we need to be refocused, too. We need to be reminded of the mistakes we've made so we make certain not to repeat them again in the future. We also need to be reminded of God's faithfulness to us in spite of our mishaps. I really appreciate the lyrics from Caedmon's Call's song, Lead of Love, as they really sum this idea up:
Looking back at the road so far
The journey’s left its share of scars
Mostly from leaving the narrow and straightLooking back it is clear to me
That a man is more than the sum of his deeds
And how you’ve made good of this mess I’ve made
Is a profound mysteryLooking back you know you had to bring me through
All that I was so afraid of
Though I questioned the sky, now I see why
Had to walk the rocks to see the mountain view
Looking back I see the lead of loveLooking back I can finally see (I’d rather have wisdom)
How failures bring humility (than be)
Brings me to my knees (a comfortable fool)
Helps me see my need for thee
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