Last year, we studied the Book of Nehemiah. We discovered a man who is faithful to God and who prays day and night. He acknowledges God’s great and awesome acts in his life.
Nehemiah prays; “ O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments.” Neh.1:5.
This is a man who knows God intimately and is a good example for us to follow.
When Nehemiah saw the state of affairs in which Jerusalem is in, he realized that Israel and its people need to turn back to God. He prayed for forgiveness from God and set out to rebuild the walls in Jerusalem.
After getting assistance from King Artaxerxes, he led the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem so that it can be secured and keep out the invaders. Putting full dependence and faith in God, he garnered the people and successfully rebuild the walls.
Nehemiah depended on God and he was also a good and capable leader – motivating the people to press on with the work day by day despite the opposition that is around them.
When the project was completed, Nehemiah demonstrated once again his great leadership and his devotion to God by directing the people to do what is right.
The Word of God was once again given priority and prominence.
A high wooden platform was erected in the square before the watergate and the people were summoned to assemble there. Ezra the priest was asked to read the law of Moses before the assembly. He read it aloud from daybreak to noon in the presence of all the people.
As Ezra opened the book to read, all the people stood up and listened attentively to the book of the law of Moses. Ezra praised the Lord, the great God and all the people lifted their hands and responded Amen ! Amen! They bowed down and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Neh.8:1- 6.
Once again the Israelites turned away from their wicked ways and seek the Lord their God.
“ If my people who are called by my name, humbled themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land. “ 2 Chron. 7:14.
May we turn to God and focus on Him rather than the things in the world.
Brother Lean Lam Kong
