John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."







Monday, March 25, 2013

3rd Lesson of Nehemiah

3rd Lesson of Nehemiah

Seeking God for his people.
Nehemiah narrates the history of his people. Nehemiah was born in Persia, because the people of Israel were already there in Babylon when he was born. His brothers came to the palace where he was serving as a cupbearer to the king. The first chapter of Nehemiah describes us that some people of Judah, and Hanani came to the fortress. And Nehemiah asks them how the Jews were who escaped the captivity and concerning Jerusalem. He receives a report that the remnant in captivity was in misery; fallen walls and the gates burned by fire. Meaning the situation of his people was a shame.
Let us read the text according to: Ne. 1:4-11
4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
5 Then I said: "O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands,
6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you.
7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
8 "Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations,
9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.'
10 "They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand.
11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man." I was cupbearer to the king.
Let's make an analysis, say you and I were to do a survey about our people.
1 - How are in general the people of the Church of Jesus Christ here on earth? Have you had news about what is happening in the outside world, where your brothers and sisters in Christ, the rest of the Body of Jesus Christ are?
2 - How are those who do not have Bibles, have we brought the Word to them?
3 - Have we prayed for those who are in spiritual misery around the planet?
4 - The walls, signify the spiritual protection of people outside our local church what are they like?
5 - Is anyone in charge of the spiritual battle for people that are out there in danger?
6 - What are we, who consider ourselves the Church of Jesus  doing to change this situation?
Nehemiah was evaluating all this, and we can learn a beautiful lesson and apply these principles in our lives and in our church. He begins by quoting the Word of God in his prayer reminding his God what He had said to Moses, that the children of Israel would return, and pray and seek God, that God would hear. Nehemiah speaks to God in his prayer saying: Remember, because of the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress I will scatter you among the peoples. It was exactly where Nehemiah and his people were scattered among the peoples. If you return to me and keep my commandments, I will gather you from there. In our era, you and I have we also received commandments of Jesus, and in this lesson we learn to pray with Nehemiah.
“Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way” Hb. 13:18. Every member of the Body of Christ needs to take a stand. One day Jesus confronted Peter, Do you love me? Then feed my sheep. Me, you and all who know the Truth, which is Jesus, we are to walk in this Truth. Walk the path that Jesus walked. To love God with all your heart, submit to Him in obedience and our neighbor as ourselves. This was Nehemiah’s approach. He stood before God, the king and he served before his people who suffered.

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Rev. Billy Graham