Introduction
Nehemiah’s example of reverence and dependence in approaching God provide key lessons for Christians today on prayerful dependence on God as we ask Him for the restoration and flourishing of His people.
Note three fundamental truths about the God of the Bible:
1. Our God is the “God of heaven” (1:4, 5; 2:20).
2. Our God is “the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments” (1:5).
3. Our God is gracious to answer our prayers for the restoration of His people — “the good hand of my God was upon me” (2:8; cf. 2:18).
From Nehemiah 1:1-2:8, three key lessons on how to approach the throne in dependence:
A. RECOGNISE OUR RUINS: BROKEN WALLS AND BURNT GATES
“And they said to me, ‘The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.’ As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” (1:3-4)
B. REPENT OF SINS: OUR PEOPLE’S AND OUR OWN
“… confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses.” (1:6-7)
C. RELY ON HIM: GOD’S CHARACTER AND PROMISES
“Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your dispersed be under the farthest skies, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’” (1:8-9)
Conclusion
Fast and pray: “Holy Spirit, touch Your Church in Singapore!”
Sunday Worship Songs at cefc.ch/sws
Next Week’s Topic: WDL: Approaching the Throne … but there’s Resistance (Eph 6:10-18); BPJ: Leave Me Alone … with God (Matt 6:5-6)
Next Week’s Speaker(s): Dr Edward K Pousson (BPJ), Rev Edmund Wong (WDL & East)
