7:3-4 - They have finished the wall, but this is no time to sit back, relax and celebrate their victory. They are an outnumbered people in a hostile land and they must be careful to defend what they have worked for. This reminds me a little of the letdown that happens in churches sometimes after a huge event. Something incredible happens in the church and the people sit back and pat themselves on the back, while losing momentum. The church is an outnumbered people in a hostile land (no matter where on earth that church is)...we should celebrate our victories, but remember that we have to be ready for whatever is coming next...ready to think creatively, change, adapt, etc.
7:65 - If people could not prove their heritage through documentation that were still afforded a chance to prove their ancestry through the Spirit of God. Urim and Thummim were stones that would be cast by priests to allow God to give them answers directly. They would cast stones to find out where people came from as a final option. Why was it important? Because their ancestry would determine the kind of land holding the returning exiles would receive.
8:3 - Now that is what I can a sermon, right there...8 to 10 hours of solid Bible! Wow. The people stand for the entire reading of the scripture (Some of us complain when we've had to stand for a couple songs), because they are hungry for knowledge of their Law...for knowledge of who they are. They have been exiled...they have been cut off from the Word of God and when they finally get a chance to hear their story, they are drinking it in. What can we do to regain that same kind of passion for God's Word, in a world where we all own multiple Bibles and routinely attend worship services?
8:8 - Very innovative teachings style. The Word of God is read in short manageable chunks and the the Levites walk through the crowd making sure that everyone understands what that means for their lives. It might be interesting to try something like this with my high school students and youth leaders.
8:9 - Why do the people weep? Isn't this a moment of great celebration? Well, you could say that they are weeping from joy, but the passage clearly says that they are mourning. I believe we are seeing a picture of conviction. The people did not fully understand how rebellious they had been against their creator God until they heard the whole of the Law. They are cut to the heart by their own sinfulness. This demonstrates the power of God's word to peal back our defenses and expose the reality of what is going on in our hearts. We shouldn't be scared to face our failure, because that is what drives us deeper into God's gracious arms. We should be scared when we fail to be convicted - that is truly dangerous.
9:3 - How about this for our next sermon series at church. We spend half the morning reading scripture, and then we all stand up and confess to one another how we failed to live up to what we just read! Sound fun. I just love the raw nature of this communal worship...these people have nothing to hide...they understand that they only have each other and they are laying it all out on the table. We could use a little more of this in the American Church.
Chapter 9 - Ever what a Cliff Notes version of the entire Old Testament? Well, Nehemiah lays it out pretty nicely for you in chapter 9. Great summary.
9:20/30 - Clear reference to a deep understanding of the Spirit of God at work, that almost sounds like it comes from the New Testament. Nehemiah describes the Spirit of God as serving as a guide and an instructor for the people (Much like John's descriptions). The difference is that the Spirit of God generally worked through external means in the Old Testament, and after the sacrifice of Christ we have the opportunity to have the Spirit of God dwelling within us....which is kinda cool, right?
9:33 - No matter how far the people of Israel have fallen away from God, He remains faithful to His promises and His people. The Jews have been conquered and exiled because of their rebellion, but they still understand that God has been utterly righteous and good in all His actions.
1 comment:
7:2 - I think this is an excellent way to choose leaders, integrity. We don't see this in our society today, integrity is way down the list if not on the list at all. If you place integrity on top, I think the rest will work out. I will practice this next time I interview someone.
7:3 - Don't open the gates until it is hot. This is apparently an instruction to open at the safest time. The enemy isnt' going ot attack in the heat of day, too risky. This may be analogous to how the enemy attacks us, when it is easy for them. I need to make sure I don't "open my gates" at a time when it is easy for the enemy to attack. Pay attention to what I choose to participate in. All the more reason to live in the spirit throughout the day.
I need a couple of those stones here at work so no one questions my decisions.
Ch.8 - Great Comments. I would only add that how beautiful it is that God, after seeing the conviction of their sin, wants them to mourn no longer, but to celebrate. Do we celebrate enough grace?
Ch. 9 - We could all stand a good honest confession from time to time. I like the part where Nehemiah spells out all that God had done for them. That would be a good exercise for all to do, is to look back through our lifes and contemplate and record all the blessings God has done for me.
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