The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Nehemiah 11-13, Psalm 126
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 9: Return: God Delivers His People Again
Background Information: Nehemiah 11-13, Psalm 126
The restoration of the temple and the city were causes of joy, but being one of the people asked to move from your own home to populate the city would have felt like no great privilege. It was a project still in process, and it remained under constant threat from enemies. A lottery system was devised to select the individuals who would move to Jerusalem. Without a population of people, it was no city. The narrative goes from the logistics of repopulating the city, to the clear evidence that the hearts of the people were once again far from God. The people had welcomed a non-Israelite and enemy of the rebuilding project to live in the temple complex. They had failed to provide material support for the Levites. They blatantly defied Sabbath laws. They intermarried, again, with people of other religions. This book of great accomplishment ends in great disappointment. Nehemiah can only pray, “Remember me, my God, with favor.” It seems like he has given up on reforming the people. The Old Testament itself seems to simply fizzle out. You are left wondering, “that’s it?” After all that, this is how it ends? Israel is a nation still under the Persian fist. The temple is nothing like its former glory. It was impressive that they built the wall in about fifty days, but it looked like a wall built in a hurry. People were not lined up to live in the city; they had to be drafted. Worst of all, nothing had changed in the hearts of the people. Nothing. What was the point of it all? Why not skip the Old Testament and just go straight to the New Testament? The obvious reason is that the Bible is a single book, and that book is the book of the Lord Jesus. In addition, the New Testament gives very practical applications that flow from studying the work of God in the Old Testament. Look for practical actions in these passages as you read them. Take these actions to heart and embrace them fully into your life.
Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who prophesied about the grace that would come to you, searched and carefully investigated. They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when he testified in advance to the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you. These things have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—angels long to catch a glimpse of these things. Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.
1 Peter 1:10-16
These things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages, have come. So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall. No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.
1 Cor. 10:11-13
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Pray for God to give Sarah many opportunities to share the gospel with her Central Asian people group this week.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.