Today’s Chapters: Nehemiah 5-9
Pete’s Thoughts:
Nehemiah 5
Nehemiah had to deal with the people being too much like the world. He had to rebuke the elders for taking advantage of the people. He had to lead by example of what it meant to be generous. Too often today, we, as Christians, would fall into the traps that these people fell into. From being too much like the world to taking advantage of each other for a “quick buck,” do people real notice a difference between the church and the world?
Nehemiah 6
It is a great mark on the leadership of Nehemiah to read that the wall was completed in only 52 days. Considering the obstacles he faced, everything from the nobles not working, the people being attacked, opposition from the outside and so much more, Nehemiah was one of the greatest leaders and motivators to grace the earth.
Nehemiah 7
Nehemiah wanted to make sure that the great strides that the people had made in protecting the city didn’t go to waste with poor leadership. Therefore, he appointed strong, faithful, godly men to the task of leading the city. He also gave them strict orders about when to open the gates and how to guard them. The wall would mean nothing if the gates were not properly defended and good leadership was in place to oversee the city.
Nehemiah 8
Look at the reaction the reading of the Word of God received from the people. First, they stood for the reading of it – for at least 3 hours! When they heard the words of the Lord, the people broke down and wept. When was the last time that tears were brought to your eyes simply because you heard the Bible being read? We will cry over a movie or a funny joke but the precious word of God doesn’t even stir our heart.
Nehemiah 9
As we saw in the book of Ezra, when there is revival there will always be confession of sin. The people heard the word of the Bible and wanted to be right with God.
