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Nehemiah called together a great assembly. He called out the wealthy for their behavior and pointed out the error of their ways. Their reaction was silence. They had no defense. They immediately knew they were in the wrong.

The reaction of the oppressors might not be what one would expect. We might suppose they would try to justify their actions or even blame the helpless. It’s surprising that they seem to immediately recognize their sin and humbly admit they were wrong. Sometimes people just need to be reminded of the right thing.

Nehemiah went on to lay out a plan (of course he did - this should not surprise us) to correct the problem and the people agreed. They promised to follow through on his suggestions. Nehemiah included the priests to make it an official act of obedience before God. Chapter 5, verse 13 tells us the people did as they had promised. Their promises included restoration of what had been taken with no strings attached. The result of the assembled people agreeing with God’s statutes and humble obedience led them to a place of praise. When we align our lives with God we are able to experience the true freedom that leads to no other response but to worship Him.

For today’s response, is there an area of your life where you need to humbly agree with God that you are in the wrong? Is there something you need to abandon to be able to once again walk in the path God has prepared for you? Take time today to intentionally agree with God in that area of your life. Let that action lead you to authentic praise and worship to your Father.