Nehemiah 9, 10

It seems that everyone likes to give God the last consideration rather than the first. The exiles of Jerusalem recommitted to God’s law and precepts in the revival led by Ezra and Nehemiah. Giving God the first and best was a fundamental element of that commitment.

We give God the first day of the week, the first tenth of our income, our first child, the first part of our day etc. … He gave His Firstborn, preeminent Son to us to redeem us from our sin and death penalty.

Nehemiah 7, 8

When Ezra, perched atop a wooden platform near Jerusalem’s Water Gate, began openly reading the Book of the Law of Moses, the people all stood and gave acute attention. They even stood through the pouring rain. They wept when they heard its contents. Then, the Joy of the Lord overwhelmed them and they feasted and enjoyed the reward of obeying God’s Word.

I have seen many preachers ask the congregants to stand for the reading of God’s Word when a sermon begins. To me this is a gesture of reverence for God’s Word and would be a spiritually healthy practice for New Testament Christians. When Christ Jesus began quoting Isaiah in the synagogue in Nazareth, he rose up to stand before the people. When Peter made his famous Day of Pentecost speech in Acts 2, he and the eleven all stood up before the crowd in Jerusalem. When Paul made his witness of the Gospel to the Athenian philosophers at Mars Hill, he stood boldly to address them.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus ye soldiers of the cross.

Nehemiah 4-6

During the period of time Nehemiah was rebuilding the broken down walls of Jerusalem, there was a famine. He also endured the persecution of enemy neighboring nations. Food was in shortage and financial pressure affected many. All apparent circumstances were providing resistance to his endeavor. Nevertheless, he steadfastly persevered in his goal. He merely devised strategies to continue the work while evading resistance attacks.

2020 has dispensed multiple challenges to the Christian community. Even government resistance to conducting worship gatherings has occurred … the first and only time I can remember in my lifetime THIS happening. When you approach someone to begin a casual conversation with hopes of sharing your faith, you are looked at with guarded suspicion for fear of contracting covid. Believing in Jesus is branded a laughable weakness by TV personalities.

Despite these and other forms of resistance, the Work of the Kingdom of God MUST go on. Christ’s return is not delayed. What can be done to serve Him and bring others into the Faith must continue.

Work for the night is coming when man’s work is through.

Nehemiah 1-3

Nehemiah was cupbearer to Artaxerxes, King of Persia. He was a Jew and was downcast before the king when he heard about the disrepair of the walls and gates of Jerusalem. He prayed, and boldly asked the king for permission to go back to Jerusalem and repair the wall so the city could be secure. He also requested materials to complete the project. His requests were graciously provided.

His prayer is a model of contrite humility and visionary boldness. We are wise to take note and let our requests be made known to the God of Heaven. Be sure to ask in Jesus’ name.

Ezra 9, 10

Ezra as a priest was pierced in his heart because the exiles had so fallen from God’s standards of conduct, especially in their adopting the practices of the heathen nations. He was openly undone and publicly wept and prayed before the Lord. His remorse was contagious … the leaders picked up his spirit and a large crowd gathered. They too began to weep before the Lord, establishing an attitude of contrition that paved the way to repentance.

Leaders and parents all provide the example for their followers in what to love and what to hate. Because sin can so easily devastate lives, their open distaste and remorse for it can become the righteous influence necessary for holy living in their followers.

When correcting children, open remorse is a powerful deterrent to ungodly living.

Ezra 7, 8

God gifted Ezra in areas of teaching and details ( he is credited with writing the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles ) so that the Jewish laws and traditions could be renewed after the exile period of their punishment. Whereas Nehemiah was concerned with rebuilding the city of Jerusalem, Ezra’s passion was for the temple and God’s laws.

Was it just chance that these men were instrumental in their specific function, or was it God’s design and purpose for their lives? Most assuredly, God equipped them to do what they did.

What makes you tick? As you read His Word daily and observe what needs to be done to further His Kingdom, proceed with the confidence that His gifts resident in your life are USEFUL. Be a doer of the Word. Faith and purpose will come more clearly into focus.

Ezra 3-6

King Cyrus had issued a decree that the temple in Jerusalem was to be rebuilt after the exiles returned. This, however, met with resistance from those who hated God and the Jews. Work was stopped through the reigns of Xerxes and Artaxerxes. Then, Darius became the new Persian ruler. He was referred to the original decree from Cyrus which supported the re-institution of the temple and its worship process. He definitively commanded that the temple rebuilding be resumed with harsh penalties for whomever resisted it.

God’s people had to wait for some regime changes to occur, but He eventually brought about a political system that supported His Kingdom Work.

God’s people should carry on with prayer and trust, regardless of the political regime. they are under. God will ultimately accomplish His will.

The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. [Rev. 11:15]

Ezra 1, 2

When you read Ezra, you immediately recognize that this is a man who gives attention to detail. Accurate numbers, correctly spelled names, detailed descriptions … this is the way he operated, and it put him in the Canon of Scripture.

When I was young, I often made the mistake of thinking that if others did not see things the way I did, they were a little off and more peculiar than me. I was wrong to feel that way. God gives giftings, abilities, interests to different people so that the accumulative effect can be more whole. If we didn’t have men like Ezra, we wouldn’t have the most accurate perspective. I would want someone like him handling my money … if I was a rich man.

Learn to appreciate the differences among members of the Body of Christ.

2 Chron. 35,36

Kings came and kings went in Judah and Israel. If they served the Lord and led the way David did, they succeeded. If they led the way wicked Ahab did, they had painful and disrespected ends. God’s power and control were not limited to the leader’s own morality. In fact, God’s treatment of a leader always reinforced His principles. Good ruler, good results. Bad ruler, bad results.

Christians are wise to steadfastly maintain their trust and faith in God regardless of the rulers and leaders they find themselves under. God has a supreme and all-powerful position of authority above them. In fact, they are sortof in a vise grip … between the Christian and the Lord. Keep praying, Christians.

2 Chron. 33, 34

Young King Josiah did a remarkable job of restoring God’s House. He commissioned skilled workers to perform the task of recovering from ruin the temple. He assigned the musical Levites to supervise the work

As a young man, I was the equivalent of a musical Levite. We built a large sanctuary at Hope Temple in Findlay Ohio. It would seat 2300 people. We filled it at large seasonal musical presentations. I remember working sometimes 14-15 hour days in its construction. I was the painter. Stain, varnish, wall paint … I did it all. We all worked hard and were proud of our accomplishment. Sadly, that building burned down in 1989 in one hour due to an electrical malfunction.?!?

The lesson I learned was that the only building worth investing in is the lives of God’s people, His True Sanctuary.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. [3 Jn. 1:4]