Sunday, November 01, 1998 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Nehemiah 1:5-6, 11, 2:1-8, 12, and 15-16, we learned about finding the job that God wants us to do. Most people are hard pressed by work and family demands. As Christians, many of us are also very busy at church, but we must still try to focus our attention on doing what God wants us to do. In Nehemiah 1:5-6 and 11, the author expressed concern about his brethren in Judah. He had spoken to one of his brothers, named Hanani, and learned that those that had survived the Babylonian exile were in trouble. The wall of Jerusalem had been broken down, and its gates had been burned. Therefore, Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed, asking God to show him what He wanted him to do.
In Nehemiah 2:1-8, we saw that Nehemiah recognized God as great and awesome. In his prayers, he asked the Lord to listen and see the need. He also asked Him for success as he stood before the king. Nehemiah wanted to help. But because he was the king's cupbearer, he knew that he would need the king's permission before he could become involved. During one of his days in the court, the king noticed that Nehemiah was sad and questioned him about his condition. He knew that Nehemiah was unhappy, and he was concerned. Until that moment, Nehemiah had been afraid to show his feelings because he knew that the king could have him killed for any kind of unsatisfactory behavior. But God was in the midst of the situation, and He had made sure that the king would have the right kind of spirit. Even though Nehemiah may not have realized it at that moment, his steps were being ordered by God, and he was perfectly safe.
In Nehemiah 2:12 and 15-16, the king offered to help. He then backed up his offer by letting Nehemiah go to Judah and even by giving him letters for safe travel between destinations. The Lord answered all of Nehemiah's requests, and the king did all that Nehemiah had asked. As Christians, we should learn to act boldly while we are in God's service. We are on an heavenly mission, so we carry the power of heaven with us. As you go through the coming week, try to be faithful to the One Who loves you and Who died for you. Listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit and do your best to faithfully follow His leadership.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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