The book of Nehemiah is often taught when churches are preparing for a building program. It is certainly a story of success in rebuilding Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership.
The book also has much to teach us on many subjects. For example, the people of Israel model a wonderful handling of the Word of God and a serious response to it. Ezra opens the book (unrolled the scroll containing some of Moses' writing) and when he does the people stand in respect, then bow and worship the Lord. As Ezra reads from the OT, the Levites instruct the people, explaining the meaning of what they are hearing "so that the people could understand what was being read." Nehemiah 8:5 - 8
The people understand enough that they begin to respond with weeping, no doubt overwhelmed with what they were learning about God's holiness, their responsibilities and their sin. This generation of Israelites had been basically ignorant of God's laws.
However Nehemiah and Ezra tell the people that on this holy day they should not mourn. Rather, says Nehemiah, you should go and enjoy a great meal, and share with those who have no food. He tells them "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:9 - 11.
The people then depart to eat, drink and celebrate with joy. Why? Because "they now understood the words that had been made known to them." 8:12
Reading later in the book we see that beyond understanding and rejoicing, they commit themselves to respond and obey the Word of God.
Yes, Nehemiah is full of much more than principles about rallying God's people for a building program.
The book also has much to teach us on many subjects. For example, the people of Israel model a wonderful handling of the Word of God and a serious response to it. Ezra opens the book (unrolled the scroll containing some of Moses' writing) and when he does the people stand in respect, then bow and worship the Lord. As Ezra reads from the OT, the Levites instruct the people, explaining the meaning of what they are hearing "so that the people could understand what was being read." Nehemiah 8:5 - 8
The people understand enough that they begin to respond with weeping, no doubt overwhelmed with what they were learning about God's holiness, their responsibilities and their sin. This generation of Israelites had been basically ignorant of God's laws.
However Nehemiah and Ezra tell the people that on this holy day they should not mourn. Rather, says Nehemiah, you should go and enjoy a great meal, and share with those who have no food. He tells them "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:9 - 11.
The people then depart to eat, drink and celebrate with joy. Why? Because "they now understood the words that had been made known to them." 8:12
Reading later in the book we see that beyond understanding and rejoicing, they commit themselves to respond and obey the Word of God.
Yes, Nehemiah is full of much more than principles about rallying God's people for a building program.
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