SATURDAY, 22 MARCH 2025
TEXT: Nehemiah
1:1-11
1: The words of Nehemiah
son of Hakaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in
the citadel of Susa,
2: Hanani, one of my
brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the
Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.
3: They said to me,
“Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble
and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been
burned with fire.”
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: “Lord,
the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love
with those who love him and keep his commandments,
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 family, 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: 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.
(New International
Version Holy Bible)
TOPIC: NEHEMIAH
PRAYED FOR HIS PEOPLE
Our own times are in dire
need of people like Nehemiah. There are challenges and needs that people with
Nehemiah’s character can address.
On hearing about the
deplorable condition of his people, Nehemiah broke down in tears, mourned,
fasted and prayed to God. Because he knew God to be a covenant keeper, Nehemiah
asked God to pay attention to his prayer.
He presented himself as
part of those who had sinned, acted wickedly and refused to keep His commands.
He pleaded for mercy.
QUESTION:
When last did you see the problems of your church and community as your own?
PRAYER:
Father, forgive me for not taking the challenges of my local assembly and
community as my concerns. Amen.
Remain
Blessed
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