Confession, A Form of Worship

"And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers (Neh 9:2 KJV)."

The word separated literally means to divide or separate.The word confessed is what makes this verse interesting. We automatically think repentance when we read this verse. Repentance is applicable here. However, let's dig deeper...

The word confessed comes from the Hebrew root meaning to use the hand, to throw at or away, to revere or worship with extended hands, or to bemoan by wringing the hands. The definition then goes on to list these words:

• cast (out)
• (make) confess (-ion)
• praise
• shoot
• (give) thank (-ful, -s, -'giving)

Is it possible for confession and repentance to be a form of worship? Today's verse states the "seed of Israel separated themselves." Should we Christians, the grafted seed of Israel, not take the time to separate ourselves from the affairs of this life? Should we not take the time to present ourselves to the living God, extending our hands in worship, confessing our iniquities?

What greater form of worship could there be than to acknowledge God is the Savior when we extend ourselves to him in confession and repentance every day? We are acknowledging the sovereignty of God and his power to cleanse us from all sin when we confess our iniquities to Him.


I encourage all to take a moment of time today to separate themselves from the chaos of the day, from the people around you. Get alone with the Creator of everything. Extend your hands to him in surrender, confessing all faults and shortcomings. What greater worship is there than to give your life to the Lord? God bless...