“So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the book of the Law.” Nehemiah 8:2-3

DEVOTION

 The story of the Bible is one of resetting. God allows for this and provides a way for it. In the story of Scripture, you see the regularity with which God’s people require a reset–whether through unconscious drifting or conscious decisions.

It’s gracious that God provides a way of calling us back and creating rhythms. It’s not so much about whether we experience a drift, but rather, a matter of rhythms, practices, and the means of grace that are set in place for restoration when we do.

My husband used to run track in college. In track, there are rules; a built-in process for what to do. For example, when there is a false start, you go back and start again so everyone can begin anew.

We see the same thing in the Old Testament with the scribe and priest, Ezra. In the book of Nehemiah, God uses Nehemiah to lead his people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and to rebuild their distinctive identity as God’s people. One of the powerful messages of Nehemiah is how much can be accomplished when we align ourselves with the will and plan of God.

Nehemiah 8:2-3 tells us, “So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the book of the Law.”

And do you know what happened? They were convicted. They needed a reset. Just like we do.

Resets are all throughout Scripture. Take the concept of the Year of Jubilee. Every 50th year, Hebrew slaves and prisoners were freed and debts were forgiven. On a weekly basis, there is the Sabbath. Daily, we renew our minds. 

Each is a reset.

Think about the way our calendar is constructed. Every week, every month, every year is a reset.

Living in the presence of God requires a continual resetting on him. There is no need for guilt; only for transparency and honesty in his presence.

Do you need a reset? If so, what, specifically, is needed? Is it your relationship with God? Is it time with him? Is it your relationships with others? Does it involve work or other commitments?

Take it to the One who can speak truth to you. He understands resets and desires for you to draw near. He not only allows for it; he’s provided a way for it. He's waiting.

PRAYER

God, thank you for resets. Thank you for providing a way for us to start again. As I begin this year anew, please direct my heart and my mind to the areas where I need to begin again, and please grant me the desire and will to do it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jennifer Bardell 

Pastor of Crossings Kids 

jbardell@crossings.church

Jennifer Bardell is the Pastor of Crossings Kids at the OKC campus of Crossings Community Church. She is passionate about reading, spiritual formation, and connecting kids to Jesus.

RESOURCES

• “So Will I” – Crossings Venue Worship
• Build a Life That Matters sermon series
• The Next Right Thing sermon series