FEAR GOD AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT

 

Nehemiah 5:1-13 / Keywords 5:9

FEAR GOD AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT

 

1. Nehemiah helps the poor (1-6)

Famine struck and revealed underlying social problems. The rich nobles loaned

money to the poor at high interest and took their fields and children in repayment.

The poor, especially the wives, cried out for justice. When Nehemiah heard the

cries of the poor, his heart was filled with righteous anger. Moses’ law forbade the

Jews to sell their own people into slavery(Ex 21:8). We also should respond to the

cries of the poor and the injustices of our society with righteous anger. Jesus was

poor.

 

2. Nehemiah challenges the nobles to fear God (7-13)

Nehemiah did not try to please the rich, but boldy rebuked them. Though what

they did was legal for the times, it was a sin against God; it was heartless towards

the poor; it defeated the social good being done by Jews rescuing other Jews

from slavery; it was disgraceful. The nobles listened to Nehemiah, repented, and

promised to give back what they had taken. Greed corrupts and destroys our

good influence in the world. We must fear God, repent our greed, and do what is

right.

 

Prayer God, forgive my greed, selfishness and heartlessness. Please help me to

fear you and do what is right.

One Word Fear God and do what is right

A FIGHTING SPIRIT

 

Nehemiah 4:15-23 / Keywords 4:20

A FIGHTING SPIRIT

 

1. Our God will fight for us! (15-20)

The enemies’ plot was thwarted by God, and all the people returned to the work

of rebuilding the city walls. But this time, they remained armed with a tool in one

hand and a weapon in another, ready for an attack. They sized up their situation,

knew they were spread thin, and came up with a system to alert everyone to

rally together to fight. Most importantly, they relied on God to fight the battle for

them. Making a vessel of prayer and having a fighting spirit changed them from a

disorganized, defeated motley crew into a spiritual army prepared to do the work

and to fight back at any moment. We need this same spirit to do the gospel work

and to fight Satan’s attacks.

 

2. Alert day and night (21-23)

They urgently rebuilt the city walls from the breaking of the dawn until the stars

came out, meaning they worked a double shift. The men sacrificed their families to

stay inside the city to serve as the national guard. Nehemiah and his men set the

example by never taking a break. When the battle is on, there are no bystanders.

 

Prayer Lord, grant us a fighting spirit and one heart and mind to do your work and

be on guard against Satan’s schemes.

One Word A fighting spirit to finish the task

 

OVERCOMING OPPOSITION AND THREATS

 

Nehemiah 4:1-14 / Keywords 4:14

OVERCOMING OPPOSITION AND THREATS

 

1. We prayed and posted a guard (1-9)

The Jews’ enemies harassed and ridiculed them. Instead of being afraid,

Nehemiah prayed to God to deal with their enemies. Regaining their focus, the

Jews gave their hearts to rebuild the wall halfway. Then, their enemies redoubled

their efforts to give them trouble. Following Nehemiah’s lead, the people prayed

and posted a guard. Opposition is very discouraging. We must pray and be on

guard.

 

2. Remember the Lord is great and fight! (10-14)

The workers’ strength was gone, the enemies hotly opposed them, and the most

vulnerable became deeply afraid. Nehemiah tightened security and created a

community watch. He inspired the people not to be afraid, trust the Lord who

is great and awesome, and fight for their families! When we are weakest, Satan

strikes hardest. We need faith and a fighting spirit to overcome!

 

Prayer Lord, help me to pray, trust in you, and be on guard when Satan attacks.

One Word Pray, trust in God, and be on guard!

BUILDERS OF THE WALL

 

Nehemiah 3:1-32 / Keywords 3:12

BUILDERS OF THE WALL

 

1. Repairing the gates (1-16)

Rebuilding the gates was most difficult. They were the central places of attack

and most damaged. The high priest set the example, and with other priests,

rebuilt and dedicated the Sheep Gate. Others repaired the remaining 9 gates.

People from other parts of Palestine-from Gibeon and Mizpah across the Jordancame

to participate. The nobles of Tekoa didn’t want to work under supervisors.

On the other hand, a father worked with his daughters. People from all walks of

life worked together - Levites, goldsmiths, perfume-makers, rulers, governors and

merchants.

 

2. Filling the gaps (17-32)

Forty leaders volunteered to fix 45 sections. Some worked only on the part of the

wall opposite their own houses; some repaired larger sections. The whole wall had

to be repaired. If one part were left open, then the whole wall would be useless.

Building the wall meant restoring their dignity and confidence; it meant restoring

their nation.

 

Prayer Lord, help me to share in rebuilding the spiritual foundations of our nation

and do my part.

One Word Everyone must work to rebuild

COME, LET US REBUILD THE WALL

 

Nehemiah 2:11-20 / Keywords 2:17

COME, LET US REBUILD THE WALL

 

1. A lonely task (11-16)

Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem. He did not tell anyone what God had put in

his heart to do, but he went alone to inspect the ruined walls. After assessing

the situation and deciding what must be done, he called the officials together. A

leader must have God’s mission and find God’s direction first.

 

2. Let’s rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (17-20)

The city walls had been rubble for 150 years. The broken wall was a symbol of

broken spirits and despairing hearts. Jerusalem was helpless, vulnerable, and

disgraced. The people had no courage to begin rebuilding their city or their lives.

He told the officials how God had put it in his heart to come, and how God had

answered his prayers and moved the king’s heart to help. He planted faith in their

hearts. So they began the good work of rebuilding. However, the task would not

be easy, for there were enemies who were determined to stop them.

 

Prayer Lord, help us to rebuild the spiritual walls of our nation through discipleraising,

Bible study and prayer.

One Word Let us rebuild the wall by faith

A MAN OF PRAYER

 

Nehemiah 2:1-10 / Keywords 2:4

A MAN OF PRAYER

 

1. Nehemiah’s sad face (1-4a)

Nehemiah was always careful to look cheerful when he served the king. But he

prayed and fasted, and made up his mind to speak to the king. Instead of his

usual happy face, he went before the king with a sad face. The king immediately

noticed and asked him why his heart was sad. Nehemiah was very much afraid.

If the king became displeased or angry, Nehemiah might lose his job and/or his

head, and the situation in Jerusalem might become worse. But he boldly told the

king about his sorrow for Jerusalem. The king responded, “What is it you want?”

 

2. An emergency prayer (4b-10)

Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven; then he answered the king. He

requested permission to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the city and its walls. He

also asked for letters of authorization to the officials whose help he would need.

God was with him, and the king granted his request. As God worked, Satan also

worked, and enemies arose.

 

Prayer Lord, give me the courage to begin to do the work you put in my heart to

do, trusting in you by prayer.

One Word Pray, then do

NEHEMIAH’S PRAYER

 

Nehemiah 1:1-11 / Keywords 1:11

NEHEMIAH’S PRAYER

 

1. I sat down and wept (1-4)

Nehemiah was a Jewish exile living in Susa in Babylon. He had a high position

in the court of King Artaxerxes; he was the king’s cupbearer. Some of the Jewish

exiles had returned to Jerusalem and had rebuilt the temple. One day some menincluding

Nehemiah’s brother-came from Judah bringing news of Jerusalem and

the people living there. When Nehemiah heard that the city wall of Jerusalem

was broken down, leaving her helpless and disgraced, he sat down and wept. He

fasted and prayed.

 

2. Nehemiah’s decision (5-11)

Nehemiah decided to risk his job, and even his life, and speak to the king. But

first, he prayed. He confessed the sins of his people, and he included himself. The

people were living in exile because they had not lived according to God’s word.

God had kept his promise to scatter his disobedient people; he was keeping his

promise to restore repentant people.

 

Prayer Lord, help me to see my nation’s problems as my own, pray with a

repentant heart, and act by faith.

One Word Pray to the Lord for his help and success

 

SING, O DAUGHTER OF ZION

 

Zephaniah 3:1-20 / Keywords 3:15

SING, O DAUGHTER OF ZION

 

1. the Lord within her is righteous (1-7)

The Lord never abandoned his people. He was righteous and faithful, without

fail, yet the people he called to be his own refused correction. Even the prophets

and priests among them persisted in violence against the Lord and his word.

How could the righteous Lord dwell among such an unrighteous and shameless

people? He had demonstrated his power and forgiveness in sustaining them

against every enemy, but instead of repenting, they acted corruptly in all they did.

They invited the Lord’s fierce judgment.

 

2. your God is mighty to save (8-20)

The Lord judges completely. When he does, the whole world will be consumed.

But his judgment is on sin. He is at the same time the one who purifies, bears our

shame and takes away our punishment on himself. He is mighty to save in this

humble way. The Lord who judges is the Lord who completely restores his own so

that they may sing and rejoice because of the Lord.

 

Prayer Lord, you are the judge who takes away my punishment. Teach me the

deep joy of your salvation.

One Word The Lord is mighty to save

SEEK THE LORD

 

Zephaniah 2:1-15 / Keywords 2:3

SEEK THE LORD

 

1. A warning to repent (1-3)

The Lord had appointed a time for the judgment of his own. He called his people

therefore to gather together, to repent before the Lord and before the time of

judgment swept over them. The wrath of the Lord is on sin; his fierce anger comes

upon the ones he called, for they had become a shameful and idol worshiping

nation. But even as his judgment approached, God spoke to his people through

the prophet to seek the Lord, humble themselves and do what he commands.

God’s judgment is total. There is no escape, but in his righteousness and humility

there is shelter.

 

2. Every shore will worship him (4-15)

The Lord is the judge of all nations. In this passage God included Israel’s

neighbors who had often despised her. God promised to judge them, but in his

judgment is the seed of hope for them and for all nations. Zephaniah spoke with

God’s vision of the time when all nations would worship the Lord.

 

Prayer Lord, you are the judge of all the earth. Help me to seek your

righteousness. Grant me your holy vision.

One Word Seek the Lord

THE GREAT DAY OF THE LORD

 

Zephaniah 1:1-18 / Keywords 1:7

THE GREAT DAY OF THE LORD

 

1. I will sweep away everything (1-6)

The Lord is the Judge. He judges sin in the world and he judges completely. The

people of Israel were the people of God, but they were not exempt from judgment.

On the contrary, the Lord promised to judge their persistent idol worship.

 

2. The Lord has prepared a sacrifice (7-18)

When every day goes on like the one before, it is easy to become complacent, to

think that the Lord is far off. Zephaniah spoke a different truth, saying, “The great

day of the Lord is near.” (14) We can combat complacency when we continually

come before the Lord and his word to be judged. The Lord prepared Jesus to be

our ransom sacrifice. The one who judges this world is the same one who invites

us to come and be consecrated in his way. The Lord actively judges sin, and at the

same time works in all things to invite and save his own. He is never complacent.

We can only be silent and come before him with great submission.

 

Prayer Lord, help me to fight complacency and come before you and your word

daily. You are the judge of all the earth. Thank you for preparing salvation

for a sinner like me.

One Word The day of the Lord is near

 

THE CHARGES AGAINST NINEVEH

 

Nahum 3:1-19 / Keywords 3:19

THE CHARGES AGAINST NINEVEH

 

1. The first charge (1-3)

The destruction of Nineveh was not a random act. God decided it based on her

wickedness. Among those sins, her violence and bloodshed were noteworthy. The

brutality she had employed against others would be visited upon her, filling the

streets with corpses.

 

2. The second charge (4-7)

The second reason for Nineveh’s destruction was because of her spiritual and

moral harlotry. Like a prostitute, she had enticed the nations around her into

following her wicked ways. God would put her to shame.

 

3. The third charge (8-19)

Finally, Nineveh had not learned from history. Thebes, similar to Nineveh, had

enjoyed the security of natural barriers and powerful allies. Yet it was the Assyrians

who had destroyed it. In similar fashion, the security that Nineveh enjoyed would

not be able to keep her from God’s wrath. There would be no relief, and all those

who had been afflicted by her would clap for joy at her destruction.

 

Prayer Dear Lord, help us to learn from the judgment of Nineveh. Let us trust in

you when our enemies seem victorious, knowing that you will deliver us

in your own good time.

One Word Wait for the Lord’s judgment

THE DESTRUCTION OF NINEVEH

 

Nahum 2:1-13 / Keywords 2:13

THE DESTRUCTION OF NINEVEH

 

1. The Lord has come (1-12)

Nineveh’s pride had made her think that she was invincible. But as judgment

loomed, God foretold her destruction in vivid terms, even using past tense

language to heighten the certainty of what would happen. They who had scattered

other nations would soon be scattered themselves by the hand of the Lord

through the Babylonians. And that day was firmly established. It was only a matter

of time.

 

2. The Lord will judge (13)

There is nothing worse than to have God against you, for who can abide the

day of his coming (Mal 3:2) - throughout Scripture God warns of the horrors of

what will happen to those he opposes (Dt 28). Jesus warned of the dangers of

being rejected by the Lord (Mt 7:21-23). And one day every unbeliever will stand in

judgment before the throne of whose presence earth and heaven will flee, and yet

no place will be found for them (Rev 20:11).

 

Prayer O holy God, we come to you in reverent fear, aware that it is only by your

grace that we can approach you. Stir in us the realization that one day you

will come again to judge the living and the dead.

One Word God will judge. Be ready!

 

GOOD NEWS IN BAD TIMES

 

Nahum 1:1-15 / Keywords 1:15

GOOD NEWS IN BAD TIMES

 

1. The Lord is avenging and wrathful (1-11)

Nahum opened his prophecy with a dramatic statement of God’s character

and power. Although Nineveh had repented at the preaching of Jonah, she later

returned to her idolatrous and violent ways. Now God would bring judgment upon

her. He would make a complete end of the city, and nothing that they devised

would be able to thwart the Lord’s plans.

 

2. Good news from the mountains (12-15)

In judging Nineveh, God would also deliver his people. Although the Lord had

used the Assyrians as instruments of judgment, that time was coming to an end

as God would break the yoke that had bound Israel. Yet, Nahum’s prophecy of

deliverance looks even further than that. It points to the time when messengers of

the gospel would announce the good news of deliverance from the power of sin

through Jesus Christ for all people.

 

Prayer Lord, let us be ever mindful of your judgment and power, and to take our

sin seriously and repent. And we thank you for giving us the good news

of Jesus Christ, forgiveness of all our sins.

One Word There is good news even in bad times