Even so early in his ministry, the crowds had already begun to clamor for Jesus. They wanted to hear his words, to be close to him. In Mark 2, we read that there were so many people at a house where Jesus was teaching that there was simply no room left.
My church has a fairly large sanctuary. Most weeks, it never gets more than ¾ of the way full. But, there are those special events (and Christmas and Easter) when most pews are full.
It’s wonderful to go into a full church – not just because of the excitement – but also because we are bigger and grander when we’re together. We sing louder. We have better conversations. We are able to carry each other’s burdens more easily.
But, even during the biggest service, there has never been a time where there was no room left.
I wonder what it would have been like to be in this moment at the house with Jesus. What would it have been like to be a part of the growing excitement? To hear Jesus’ name in whispers through the countryside. To see people drop everything just for a chance to hear his teaching.
What if you could experience this today?
The truth is we have an even better opportunity to come and hear Jesus’ teachings. To meet with not only him, but also God our Father as well. But, all too often, we reject this opportunity.
How many times have you said the excuse that you were just too busy to pray? How many times have you moved through your days and weeks and just forgot to open your Bible? How many times have you said, ‘I just don’t feel like it,’ when Sunday morning rolls around? You hit snooze and go back to sleep. What about during weekly Bible study? How many times have you just said, ‘I just need some me-time, to relax.’
With recent national events, there have been several posts asking about churches to go to. People are searching for answers and trying to find them.
We have an opportunity for revival in our community and nation if we can point them to the one who gives true life. Not only this, we can experience revival in our own hearts. We just have to commit to show up, be consistent, and be obedient.
The young men who needed to get to Jesus climbed up on the roof, dug through it, and lowered their paralyzed friend down to Jesus to be healed. How are you pursuing Jesus today?
Cayce Fletcher writes and podcasts at amorebeautifullifecollective.com. Check out the blog and other resources to help you create a life you love and cultivate your heart for God. This free resource here will help you take your Bible study one step further with a Bible reading tracker, Bible study reflection page, and more.
Reflection Questions
What are some excuses that you make concerning your quiet time? What about going to church? Do you consistently show up, or do you let things get in the way?
Have you invited someone to church recently? How have you been sparking conversations that may lead to evangelism?
Several of the events we read about today are about Jesus’ authority. He has the authority to forgive sins, to choose his disciples, when to fast, and even over the Sabbath. Why is the question of Jesus’ authority focused on so much in the gospels?
Our passage of scripture today is action-packed, as Jesus begins his ministry and starts to teach and gain followers as he moves through Judea and Galilee. The reading is bookended by two signs (of which there are 7 in the book of John): Jesus turning water into wine and healing the official’s son.
It’s interesting to compare the beginning of Jesus’ ministry with the temptations he faced in the wilderness. Jesus was tempted to exert his authority in a way that disregarded God. His obedience required humility.
Today, we read about him walking humbly in obedience, doing the will of the Father at a wedding feast, in the temple, and even in a Samaritan village. As he was walking in obedience, he was being elevated. He was shown to have authority over nature, teachers, the temple, and even death.
Like the actual signs themselves, the whole book of John is a book of witness. John is giving his eyewitness testimony, but he is also documenting how Jesus affected the lives of those around him. Each of these instances ends with “____ believed him.” I’ve heard it said that the book of John can be summed up with the phrase, ‘Come and See.’
As we read through the gospels, we are invited to ‘come and see’ the work of Jesus. Like the stories we read today, we can choose to believe in the words and signs of Jesus.
What is the right response to this belief?
John 3:21, “But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”
When we believe in Jesus, we are stepping into the light. We are choosing to live righteous lives in obedience to God as we imitate Christ and are made more like him. Belief in Jesus is the first step in a life obedience.
What is the outcome of this belief? The gospel of John is very clear about that.
Belief in the Son brings eternal life. John the Baptist sums this up in John 3:35-36, “The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”
We must echo him when we choose to follow Christ: Jesus must increase, and I must increase. That is the true path of life.
Cayce Fletcher writes and podcasts at amorebeautifullifecollective.com. Check out the blog and other resources to help you create a life you love and cultivate your heart for God. This free resource here will help you take your Bible study one step further with a Bible reading tracker, Bible study reflection page, and more.
Reflection Questions
How do the miracles and signs we read today show the authority that God has given Jesus?
What is so important about belief? Why is belief in Jesus the cornerstone of our faith (as opposed to action or other traditions)?
How are you choosing the path of belief and obedience in your life? Is your life bearing witness to Christ?
At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, we read of his baptism. This is a special moment of God clearly anointing Jesus with his spirit as he says, “This is my son, with whom I am well pleased.” Jesus is anointed and commissioned in that moment to go and preach the gospel of the Kingdom – which is what he does in Matthew 4:17.
In between the anointing and commencing of his ministry, we read of a curious episode in Jesus’ life. He is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
The devil shows Jesus three things to entice him to reject God in disobedience. He tells Jesus to turn the stones to bread, to command the angels to come and rescue him, and to elevate himself physically and figuratively so that the world will bow down to him.
Interestingly, these things aren’t necessarily the same struggles we may be tempted by. In one Bible Study I was teaching about this passage, one of my friends looked puzzled and mentioned that he would think that Jesus would have been tempted with ‘the lust of the eyes’ because that is such a ubiquitous struggle for our society. But, I think that this instance is more than Jesus staying strong against the seven deadly sins – though he does and remains sinless throughout his temptations.
In each instance, the devil says, ‘Just show your power to do these things. Show yourself to be like God.’ The devil knows that Jesus has the authority to do the things that he is tempting Jesus with. Jesus also has the power to do those things. But, Jesus knows that he must remain obedient. Jesus is not God, and Jesus knows that the only reason he has the power and authority to do supernatural things is because God has granted him that authority.
These temptations echo the first temptations in the garden. The ancient serpent also tempted Adam and Eve with the chance to become ‘like God.’ Instead of trusting in God and remaining obedient to his word, Adam and Eve trusted the serpent and grabbed at the chance for the knowledge of Good and Evil. Of course, the serpent’s promises were empty and brought death, not happiness.
We are also tempted. Yes, temptations mean that we have to be sure to follow the law of God and live righteously. But, more than that, temptations mean that we have to trust that God knows what is best for our lives. Jesus could have looked at his situation in the wilderness (that he was led to by God) and decided that he knew best. In that moment, he could have rejected God, acted disobediently, and sinned.
But, he didn’t.
Instead, his obedience required him to humble himself and trust God. Ultimately, this proved to be a training ground for what would be required of him later on. Philippians 2:8 says, “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death — even to death on a cross.”
We have to take the same path. We don’t know best. We have to trust God and his word.
We can take comfort in the end of the story, too. Jesus wasn’t exalted by the devil, but we know that the thing the devil tempted him with will come true because Jesus was obedient. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
We wait in hope for that day, and we live in obedience today.
Cayce Fletcher writes and podcasts at amorebeautifullifecollective.com. Check out the blog and other resources to help you create a life you love and cultivate your heart for God. This free resource here will help you take your Bible study one step further with a Bible reading tracker, Bible study reflection page, and more.
Reflection Questions
How are the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness similar to and different from the temptations of Adam and Eve in the garden?
How does Jesus fight against temptation? How can you better equip yourself to fight against temptation?
Why did God lead Jesus to the wilderness? How was Jesus’ time in the wilderness preparation for the rest of his ministry?
The past year, I just celebrated the big 3-0. With every new decade, life speeds up, and the long stretch of the future that seems endless at 18 starts to look shorter and shorter.
I remember when I graduated from high school, I – and all my friends – wrestled endlessly with what to make of our lives. What college? What major? What city? What guy? It seemed like we needed to have it all figured out as soon as we walked across the graduation stage.
But, as anyone who has a little life experience knows, life rarely goes as planned. What we thought would make up our lives at 18 rarely fits with what our life actually looks like at 30, 40, or 50.
It always seemed strange to me that Jesus, with such a short life, waited to begin his ministry until 30. Here are some reasons why that could be.
Traditionally, 30 was the age in Jewish culture of full maturity. It matches up with the pattern of scripture: David was 30 years old when he became king, Joseph was 30 when he entered the service of Pharaoh, the Levitical priests were 30 when they started their service, and so on (Ezekiel, King Saul, and maybe even Paul the Apostle).
Jesus needed to wait to gain the experience and wisdom that comes with age. His authority and testimony depended on it.
When I was younger, it seemed like if I had not decided on a thing by age 22 that opportunity would have passed me by for the rest of my life. Whether that’s a career or a specific ministry, it seems like I’m already too set in my ways to be able to make a change and start doing the thing.
But, I’ve realized that is not how life works. Our lives are long and full of twists and turns. Joseph probably could not have dreamed of the many changes that would take place between his time among his flocks and entering the service of Pharaoh, but God knew and had a plan.
Sometimes, I find myself falling into this trap today. If someone has moved on from the church or a friendship is broken, I often give up. I feel as though this will be how this person, this relationship, or this work will be for the rest of my life.
We need to remember this: As long as we are willing to walk in obedience, it is never too late to start the work. God uses the time waiting and praying as preparation to help to mature our faith and grow our wisdom.
What can we do in the waiting?
We can pray, prepare, and trust – as we look to all those who had to wait to begin their ministry. We can trust that God, ‘who started a good work in us, will see it through to completion.’
Cayce Fletcher writes and podcasts at amorebeautifullifecollective.com. Check out the blog and other resources to help you create a life you love and cultivate your heart for God. This free resource here will help you take your Bible study one step further with a Bible reading tracker, Bible study reflection page, and more.
Reflection Questions
Why do you think Age 30 was so significant in God’s plan? What is special about this age?
What thing do you feel is ‘too late to change’? It could be a job, a personality trait, a failed relationship, or a church ministry. How could you pray for change for this thing?
How can we ‘wait well’? What are some practical steps we can take to make the most of our time of preparation?
When I was still teaching seventh-grade English, one of the stories that my students loved (much to my surprise) was “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry. In the story, a young couple needed to buy Christmas presents for each other, but like many young couples, they were severely lacking in funds to do so. In order to scrounge together what they needed for the perfect gift, they sold their most valuable possessions (hair in the girl’s case and an inherited pocket watch for the boy).
At the end, to their dismay, the boy and the girl realized that the gifts they had purchased were useless, though very expensive. The boy had bought a comb for the girl who had shorn her hair. The girl had bought a chain for the boy who had sold his watch.
As my students reached the end of the story, they would always laugh and shake their heads at the couple. But, the story ends with this famous quote: “Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.”
Today’s reading almost feels like Christmas in July (or well… September). In four separate stories of travels, we learn about Jesus’ boyhood. He receives the gifts from the Magi, takes off to Egypt for several years, returns and settles in Nazareth, and finally participates in an annual pilgrimage for the Jewish feast of Passover.
My students may think that the boy and girl in the story are silly, but when we read the story of the Magi, we should be struck as well. These men left their countries to go on a years long journey. To where? They didn’t know. For what? They also didn’t know.
All they knew was this: “We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
O. Henry recognized that this was true devotion and love. To recklessly sacrifice to show devotion for something that we hold as truly valuable. The Magi are famously called ‘The Wise Men.’
But, what is true wisdom?
It is not always playing it safe. It is not always acting in a way the world deems prudent.
But, it is always rightly ordering our loves so that we can show devotion to the best thing.
What does that look like?
It is choosing to put our faith at the forefront of our lives, prioritizing it. We talk of priorities as a list of 3, 5, or even 10. But, really, the word means the thing we hold first. If our faith is placed first, everything else we do falls behind it.
And, when we devote our lives to our faith, we may pursue the way of the Magi. We may sacrifice (maybe a little recklessly) in order to obey our God. Because we know that the path of obedience is sweet and good. It is worth giving up everything – even our most valuable possessions – for.
Cayce Fletcher writes and podcasts at amorebeautifullifecollective.com. Check out the blog and other resources to help you create a life you love and cultivate your heart for God. This free resource here will help you take your Bible study one step further with a Bible reading tracker, Bible study reflection page, and more.
Reflection Questions
We often think of the Wise Men as being Wise because they were simply ‘learned.’ But, how were their actions also wise?
What is our first priority in our lives? How do we show this through our actions?
How can choosing to live wisely and righteously look like foolishness to the world?
Matthew begins the New Testament with the genealogy of Jesus Christ the Messiah to confirm that he was the prophesied direct heir to King David’s throne. Because we so often sleepwalk through this genealogy, we almost miss five names. Five names that belong to women— Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. It was not customary to include women in genealogies, so we are left to wonder why Matthew included them.
TAMAR
Hers was a sad, terrible story of grief and sin. Genesis 38 recounts her story. She first married Judah’s oldest son, who was so wicked the Lord took his life. At that time, if a woman’s husband died, her deceased husband’s brother would marry her to provide for her and keep her in the family. So, Judah arranged for Tamar to marry his second son, who, unfortunately, followed in his brother’s footsteps and was put to death by the Lord. Judah promised Tamar that she could marry his third son when he grew up, but Judah had lied. Tamar was in great need, so she developed a plan and deceived Judah by disguising herself as a prostitute. Her plan worked, and Tamar became pregnant with twins. When Judah was told that his daughter-in-law was pregnant through prostitution, he ordered her to be burned. But, as the story unfolded, Judah realized that Tamar was the prostitute he had bought. Not a pretty story, but Judah confessed and took responsibility for his sins, and said, “she is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” (Gen 38:26)
The story of Tamar and Judah demonstrates that God can use the most scandalous circumstances for His purposes. Tamar became the first women mentioned in the genealogy of the Messiah, where Tamar and Judah’s son, Perez, became the father of Hezron. (Matt 1:3) The lineage of Jesus continued, despite a bump in the road.
RAHAB The HARLOT.
Everyone knew her profession. She was that Canaanite prostitute living in Jericho. Throughout the Bible she was known as Rahab the harlot. Even in the faith chapter she is called Rahab the prostitute. (Heb 11:31)
But Rahab was also known for something else, something much more important. She was the one who kept the Israelite spies safe in her home in Jericho when they were sent by Joshua to spy out the land. (Josh 2) She willingly lied to the King of Jericho about the whereabouts of the spies, jeopardizing her own safety, because “the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.” (Josh 2: 11) How often do we judge people by things that don’t matter—their appearance, their house, their wealth, or their “job”, when what we need to focus on is their faith, and that God can redeem anyone. Even a prostitute. That is what the coming of the Messiah was all about—redemption.
“Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab.” (Matt1:5)
RUTH
There are so many words that you could use to describe Ruth. Faithful, selfless, caring, giving, devoted, loving, reliable, unwavering, a Moabite.
Ruth’s husband had died, and there were no more sons of Naomi for her to marry. Even Naomi’s husband had died. There was no way for Naomi to provide for Ruth. So, Naomi gave Ruth permission to return to her native home where her family could provide for her. She refused. Why? Because Ruth loved Naomi with a steadfast love. “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die.” (Ruth 1:16,17). She promised to love and care for Naomi until the end. She did not have to do that. She was free to return home. She chose to stay.
In God’s perfect timing and plan, Ruth, the Moabite, was blessed with a husband by the name of Boaz. They had a son named Obed, who had a son named Jesse, who had a son named David. (Matt 1:5)
BATHSHEBA
If you take a quick glance through the genealogy, you will not notice the name of Bathsheba. That is because Bathsheba is referred to as Uriah’s wife. “David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife.” (Matt 1:6) Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah. You probably remember that story. As the story goes, Bathsheba was the faithful wife of Uriah. King David spotted her one day out on a roof top and desired her. Since David was the King, what the king said or wanted must be obeyed. She obeyed him, and in the end, King David arranged for Uriah’s murder to cover his sin. Eventually David married Bathsheba, but it is heartbreaking that King David’s life is marred by adultery and murder. Yet it demonstrated how desperately Israel and David needed the promised Messiah, and how desperately we need him too, “because he will save his people from their sins.” (v21)
“David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife.” (Matt 1:6)
MARY
She was willing. She was humble. She believed in God. She submitted to God’s will and plan. She was young, and she was a virgin. Miraculously, she was a mother—the mother of Jesus who was called the Messiah.
Mary’s story of the virgin birth of Jesus was improbable if it weren’t for the working of the Holy Spirit. But it is true. Soon the whole world would know.
In the quiet of the night shepherds were in the fields taking care of their sheep, when suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them awakening them out of their drowsiness. They were terrified. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11) Then “suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rest.” (Luke 2: 13-14) The shepherds traveled to Bethlehem, and there they saw the baby Jesus, surrounded by Joseph and Mary, his mother. After seeing Him, they testified to what they had seen, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. (Luke 2:16-18) Very soon the whole world would know.
“And Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.” (Matt. 1:16)
It is true.
Reflection Questions
Question One: Why do you think that Matthew included the names of these women in the genealogy of Jesus, when it was not customary to do so? Which story was your favorite? Why?
Question Two: How do you think Matthew intended these stories of these five women to impact your understanding of the coming Messiah? Which of the five stories had the most impact on you? Why?
Question Three: Do you think that the instances of adultery, prostitution, and murder were just happenstances or planned? Did those sins ruin the story line of the Messiah or make it more meaningful? How does that impact what you believe about the fulfillment of the purposes of God?
Question Four: What about your life? Do you have skeletons tucked away in your closet that keep you from working out the plans and purposes of God in your life? Can you now break free from that after hearing the stories of Tamar and Judah, Rahab the Harlot, or Bathsheba and David?
If you have been reading with us from the beginning of the year – welcome to the New Testament!
Devotion by Telva Elwell (SC)
Malachi had last spoken 400 years ago and had promised that the Messenger would come. “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me.” Surely Zechariah, as a priest, knew this well. But to put it mildly, God caught him off guard one day.
Zechariah was busy in the Holy Place offering incense, a duty Zechariah was permitted to do only once in his lifetime, when suddenly out of nowhere, the angel Gabriel stood by the altar. Of course, Gabriel had to calm Zechariah, because he was focused upon his task and not expecting Gabriel’s visit. “Fear not,” he said. Not only did Gabriel’s presence startle Zechariah, but the news he brought was also startling.
Gabriel told him that Zechariah and Elizabeth, his wife, were going to have a son! One would expect this to be good news for Zechariah because Elizabeth and Zechariah had been praying for a child for many years. Zechariah did not believe such a thing possible because he was an old man, and his wife was advanced in years as well. (Luke 1:18) This story was reminiscent of Abraham and Sarah, for God had also said that He would give them a son in their old age. “Abraham fell on his face and laughed.” (Gen 17:17)
Before he could even grasp the idea of having a son in his old age, Gabriel told him to name his son John, and that John would grow up to be God’s prophet to show Israel God’s son. “And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” (vs16-17) (Mal 4:5) I understand that this was a lot to take in. But none of it was new to him. He was well acquainted with the promises of God as told by Malachi and other Old Testament prophets. This was the day, the time, that Zechariah, the priest, was looking forward to. What a blessing and privilege to be the father of the much-anticipated Messenger who would turn the children of Israel to God. But something got in the way of that for Zechariah.
Instead of rejoicing, Zechariah demanded proof that this was even possible. Even though an angel, who stands in the presence of God, came to deliver this good news, Zechariah believed this was all nonsense. He wanted proof—not just a proclamation of an angel of the Lord. “How can I be SURE of this?” he asked. (vs18) Gabriel gave him proof in the form of punishment. “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words…” (vs19,20) Zechariah was struck dumb, (v20) and quite possibly deaf. (v62)
When Zechariah finished his priestly duties, he walked home to his faithful wife, and in time, she conceived. For nine months his words did not come, and his world was silent. Every waking moment of every day, Zechariah was reminded of his unbelief.
I would be remiss in not mentioning Mary. Gabriel also brought her unexpected news. Although young, a virgin, and unmarried, she was also going to have a son—God’s Son, the Messiah. Her response was unlike Zechariah’s. Instead of demanding proof that this could happen, she humbly submitted to God’s plan as His servant. “Behold I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (v38) While Zechariah sat silently with his thoughts running rampant in his head, Mary rejoiced in prayer and song. (vs.46-55)
In time, Elizabeth gave birth to a son. Relatives and neighbors and friends heard the good news and rejoiced with her. Then something truly miraculous happened.
By custom Jewish boys were circumcised eight days after birth, at which time a name was given to the child. The expectation was that this child would be named Zechariah, after his father, but Elizabeth said his name would be called John, just as Gabriel had told Zechariah. It was unusual not to name the son after his father or another family member, so Zechariah was asked what he wanted the child to be called. Zechariah asked for a tablet and wrote the words, “His name is John.” (v63) That name, John, means God is gracious. When Zechariah penned the baby’s name, “John” on his tablet, he was declaring his belief in God’s faithfulness and grace, and affirming Gabriel’s message to him concerning his son, John. A simple thing, yet profound. Because God is gracious, Zechariah’s tongue was immediately loosed. (v64) Because God is gracious, He did not forget or abandon Zechariah, even when he did not believe. That does not mean that it is okay to not believe. We need to believe God. But when we struggle, God is there.
Belief and unbelief are often at war with one another in our lives. Sometimes we struggle to believe, much like Zechariah, and then other times we simply believe without doubt or question, much like Mary. When we struggle, sometimes it is the small things that awaken our faith and cause us to believe—like a new baby named John
That same small baby, named John, awakened the faith of the children of Israel years later when as a man he “came as a witness, to bear witness about the light that all might believe through Him.” (John 1:7)
Reflection Questions
Question One: Why do you think God chose to make Zechariah a mute as punishment for his unbelief?
Question Two: Why do you believe Zechariah struggled to believe God? Are there times when you struggle to believe God? Why? When?
Question Three: Right now, where are you in your belief? More like Zechariah, the high priest, or more like Mary, the young virgin?
Question Four: In Mark 9:24, a man came to Jesus and said: “I believe; help me in my unbelief.” How can someone say, I believe, and at the same time ask for help in overcoming unbelief? Do you believe this was the situation with Zechariah? Is this your situation on occasion?
Oh, how Nehemiah must have wished for a happy ending. Jerusalem seemed to have been on the right track. The people were singing songs of praise and worship as they marched on the newly rebuilt wall of Jerusalem. Joy filled the streets of Jerusalem and the hearts and souls of the people. Fast forward to the future by about 11 or 12 years, and during that time the people had jumped off the wall and were up to their eyeballs in the filth of sin and rebellion to God and His laws. Nehemiah had gone back to Shushan to his previous position, but when he heard the news of the sad state of affairs in Jerusalem, he returned to Jerusalem once again. How could things have gone so terribly wrong?
If Nehemiah had prepared a list of things the people were doing wrong, it would have looked something like this.
Things you are doing wrong:
Nehemiah 13
You are mixing it up with outsiders like the Ammonites, and Moabites, who are enemies.
You are allowing Tobiah to live in a large room in the temple. Eliashib, a high priest, has given him a room because one of his relatives was married to Sanballat’s daughter, and Sanballat and Tobiah were friends. (I know, it’s a bit confusing. But we all know who Sanballat and Tobiah are, and this just can’t be good.)
Tobiah is literally living in a room of the temple dedicated to the storing of the offerings used by the Levites. (Umm, not good. Where are the offerings kept now?)
Where ARE the offerings?
You are allowing your daughters and sons to marry people from Ashdod, Ammon and Moab, which you promised NOT to do. Many of their children even speak foreign languages.
You have stopped paying taxes! You have stopped giving tithes and offerings to the priests and can’t even provide wood for the altar. (13:32-39). (Guess that is why “room” previously used for storage and offerings had opened up for Tobiah in the temple.)
You are working and selling on the Sabbath, which you promised not to do! (10:31).
Need I continue?
Signed: Nehemiah
Sounds like Nehemiah had his work cut out for him. Apparently so did Malachi, the prophet. Malachi’s words against the people of Israel sounded hauntingly similar to Nehemiah’s words when describing the sins of the people of Israel.
Things you are doing wrong:
You doubt the love of God (Mal 1:1-5) (see also Deut. 6:4,5).
The priests are cheaters who offer polluted, lame, sick and blemished offerings to God (1:6-14).
You divorce your wives then marry pagans (2:1-16).
“You have wearied God with your words saying, everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delights in them” (2:17-3:6).
You are thieves. You are keeping your tithes and offerings (3:1-8).
“You have spoken against God by saying that it is vain to serve Him, and what is the profit of keeping His commandments? You call the arrogant blessed” and say that “evildoers prosper”. (3:13-15)
You ask, “Where is the God of justice?” (2:17)
Signed: Malachi, the Prophet
What Israel did not realize was that they did not need justice as much as they needed forgiveness.
Whereas Nehemiah took a more hands on approach to the problems, even to the point of throwing furniture, hitting and cursing certain men, and pulling hair from their heads (Neh 13:25), Malachi would debate them, beginning with an accusation, then Israel would dispute that accusation, but in the end, God would have the final word.
Israel demanded to know “Where is the God of justice?” What they wanted was justice for their wicked enemies and they wanted it now. They claimed that “everyone that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He is pleased with them” (2:17). How can a just God do such things?
And so, God Almighty responded! “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come. (3:1) He then asked a question: “Who can endure the day of His coming, and who can stand when He appears?” (3:2) For “He will purify the sons of Levi andrefine them like gold and silver” (3:2,3) “So I will come to put YOU on trial…says the Lord Almighty.” (3:5).
This is not where Israel expected the debate to go. They wanted God to deal with their enemies now. Instead, Malachi is telling them that they need to be cleansed and purified now.
“Return to Me, and I will return to you.” (3:7) Will they accept that cleansing? Will they return to Him? Will they accept His forgiveness? Oh, how Nehemiah and Malachi must have longed for the people to return to God, and “to assemble with fasting, and with sackcloth and earth upon them. And for the seed of Israel to separate themselves from all strangers, and stand and confess their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers”, as they did when the wall was rebuilt. (9:1-2).
Hope and a Promise
God, the God of Justice, assured them that He will take care of the evil ones. “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,”’ says the Lord Almighty. (4:1-3) But for Israel it depended upon them deciding now which group they belonged to—the arrogant and evildoers, or those who revere His name.
“Return to Me”, He pleads.
He then ends with this promise: “I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents” (4:5).
As for us, just like Israel, it all depends upon taking accountability and confessing our sins because He is faithful and just and will forgive. (1John 1:9)
Reflection Questions
Did jealousy play a role in the sins of Israel? If so, does it still play a role in our lives and sin today?
Why do you think it was so easy for Israel to fall back into sin repeatedly? Were they sincere when they walked the wall of Jerusalem singing praise and thanksgiving?
Do you find it difficult to stay away from sin? Why? Can you relate to Paul’s struggles in Romans 7:7-25? In what ways?
The wall and the gates of Jerusalem had been rebuilt. (Nehemiah 6:15) Leadership and positions of service had been filled. Israelites were moving in to occupy the city of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 11) The stage was set for a celebration!
It was time!
The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem attracted people to come to Jerusalem to be present for the dedication of the wall of the city. What a huge crowd that came that day! The Levites came to celebrate the dedication with gladness, thanksgiving, and singing. Cymbals, harps, and lyres were played in great celebration. In addition, singers came from the areas around Jerusalem, and other surrounding areas. The singers had even built for themselves villages around Jerusalem. The priests and Levites purified themselves and the people. All the celebrants were spiritually prepared and excited! Let the celebration begin! (12:27-30)
Nehemiah then brought the singers and musicians up onto the wall. What excitement must have stirred through the crowd when they mounted that wall that many thought impossible to rebuild! The city must have exploded with songs of praise and thanksgiving as Nehemiah instructed one half of the singers to sing songs of praise, accompanied by the blast of trumpets and other instruments created by David, the man of God. He sent them to march south on the top of the wall, along with Ezra the scribe. As they marched, they sang loudly with whole hearts overflowing with praise. Likewise, the second choir was sent to march north on top of the wall, along with Nehemiah. They sang and worshiped and praised the great God who had done mighty works in Jerusalem. The two choirs then met at the house of God where they gave thanks and presented sacrifices to their great God. They rejoiced! “For God had made them rejoice with great joy. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.” (v. 43)
One of the Songs of Ascent was probably song. Psalms 126, one of those songs, has such meaningful words for such an occasion as this:
“When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing; then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Yes, the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away, but how that joy must have stung for some.
Throughout the celebration of praise and thanksgiving to God, this message was being seen and heard by those outside the congregation of the Israelites. There were a few familiar faces and names of people among the foreigners who probably wanted to hide in embarrassment. And it was all because of the completion of the work at Jerusalem on the 25th day of Elle (6:15). “All the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God” (6:16). Even their enemies and naysayers believed that what they were hearing with their ears and seeing with their eyes, was indeed proof positive that God was with Jerusalem and that He had caused the wall and gates of the city of Jerusalem to be restored! (Ps. 126:2)
Flash back several weeks earlier when word spread throughout the region that the wall was being rebuilt. Sanballat and Tobiah were up to their mischief trying to discourage and hinder the work of the Jews in rebuilding the wall. They teased; can these feeble old Jewish men even build these walls themselves? Will they sacrifice? They knew it would take more than a few prayers to rebuild the wall. Could they even finish it? They laughed at the materials they were using, calling the stones rubbish, because they were broken and burnt. They jeered, “How could anyone build anything out of trash?” (4:2) And yet, they built it! There it stood on this great day of dedication after its completion. So, with God even feeble old men can accomplish great things! Yes, they were able to finish the wall with God’s help! Even burnt stone dug from the rubble could become a strong wall! Sanballat and Tobiah probably heard the praise, the trumpet blasts, the loud songs of worship that day and cringed. But what may have been worse was seeing the wall standing strong, and the people standing strong and thankful upon that wall—that very wall that Tobiah declared would fall in a heap if even one fox went up on to the wall. (4:3). This was just what Nehemiah prayed to God to do…to “turn their taunt on their own heads” (4:4). What a testimony to God and the power of prayer! Now a multitude of people stood upon the wall and sang out praises to the One true God for the whole world to hear!
What are you doing to make sure that your wall stays strong, and that songs of praise to the One true God can be heard in your part of the world?
Reflection Questions
What is praise? How important is expressing praise in your prayers to God? What things do you praise God for? Is there a relationship between expressing praise to God and feeling joy in your life?
What is the difference between praise and thanks? Or are they the same thing? Do you share your thanksgiving and praise with others?
What did Paul mean when he said, “In all things give thanks? (1 Thess. 5:18) Does giving thanks remove fear and worry from your life? How do you incorporate giving thanks in your life when you feel overtaken and undone by loss or grief?
This chapter, Nehemiah 9, contains the longest prayer in the Bible. No, prayer is not a contest, but sometimes it takes a lot of words to get things off your chest. Other times it only takes a few words to speak your heart to God. When Jesus hung on the cross, he only needed 10 words— “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” But in Nehemiah’s day in Jerusalem, it took a lot of words to get everything out so that God’s people could express their forgiveness and experience restoration.
And so, they prayed.
Sometimes we need to express our heart in different ways. In Nehemiah 9 it is written that the people expressed their sin, their shame, and their remorse in many ways. They fasted; they wore sackcloth and ashes. They threw handfuls of dirt on their heads; they separated themselves from others; they confessed their sins along with the sins of their ancestors. They even signed a binding contract promising obedience to God. All of these things were important, but it was what they expressed from their hearts that was probably the most meaningful. Often those feelings are expressed without words, but with tears. Peter remembered Jesus’ prophesy, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times,” and after his third denial, Peter “went out and wept bitterly” (Matt 26:75). (See also Rom. 8:26). Tears speak a language our tongues cannot. Nehemiah understood.
When Nehemiah received the report from his brother, Hanani, that the Jewish remnant was in “great trouble and disgrace” and that “the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates have been burned with fire…he sat down and wept…” (1:3.4)
And then he prayed:
“I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family have committed against You. We have acted very wickedly toward You. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws You gave your servant Moses.” (1:6,7)
As I read this prayer, I noticed that these people acknowledged failing their God six times, by disobeying and betraying Him.
“Our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments. (9:16)
“They had made for themselves a golden calf and said, “This is your God…” (9:18)
“They were disobedient and rebelled against You and cast your law behind their back and killed your prophets…and they committed great blasphemes.” (9:26)
“They did evil again before You.” (9:28)
“Yet they acted presumptuously and did not obey your commandments but sinned against your commandments.” (9:29)
“Even in their own kingdom, and amid your great goodness that You gave them, and in the large and rich land that You set before them, they did not serve You or turn from their wicked works.” (9:35)
And six times they came crawling back, probably wrapped in their sackcloth and covered with dirt and grime. Each time they acknowledged the goodness and greatness of God!
“But You are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them.” (v17)
“You in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness.” (v19)
“Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing.” (v21)
“According to your great mercies You gave them saviors who saved them from the hand of their enemies.” (v27)
“Many times, You delivered them according to your mercies.” (v28)
“Nevertheless, in your great mercies You did not make an end of them or forsake them, for You are a gracious and merciful God.” (v31)
He did not forsake them.
But when will He despair of their sins and wickedness? When will God decide He has had enough? When will He turn His back on His people? When will He turn His back on ME? When will He stop listening to MY prayers of confession? Never. Because that is who He is! He is “a forgiving God, slow to anger and abounding in love.” (9:17) “Nevertheless, in your great mercies You did not make an end of them or forsake them for You are a gracious and merciful God.” (9:31).
“For He will never leave you or forsake you,” (Duet.31:8) NEVER. So, every time that you mess up and dishonor God, pray. Because God forgives.
Every time.
Reflection Questions:
The people choose to fast when they prayed. Have you ever fasted when you prayed? Did it ever change the experience for you? If you have, what kind of occasions do you think are appropriate for fasting and praying?
Why do you think the Jews acknowledged God’s greatness and mercy in their prayer of forgiveness?
Remember Judas’ sin of betrayal of Jesus and later his suicide? Did he show signs of regret? If so, was that the same as confession? Do you think the outcome would have been different if he had confessed, as the Jews did, and then acknowledged the mercies of God? Or was he just too depraved? Did he feel he was beyond being forgiven? Was he too ashamed? Have you ever felt that way?
Seek Grow Love 