BLESSED FOR PRAYING FOR OTHERS

PROCLAMATION

“After Job prayed for his friends, The Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”  Job 42:10 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

During all of the time and things that Job suffered, he did not curse The Lord God or lose faith in Him. (Job 13:15 and 27:3-4)  After The Lord God spoke to him and Job humbled himself. (Job 40:3-5) Then God spoke to Job’s friend Eliphaz and told him that He was angry with him and his two friends, Bildad and Zophar, because they did not speak the truth about Him as Job had done. (Job 42:7-8)  The Lord God forgave them after Job prayed for them. (Job 42:9)  It is also interesting to note that The Lord God blessed Job and restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before, only after Job prayed for his friends. (Job 42:10)  The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than He had blessed him in the first part. (Job 42:12-17) 

APPLICATION

As believers we are told to pray for that which we want. (John 16:24 and James 4:2)  Jesus, The Christ, said, “Ask, and it shall be given you;” (Matthew 7:7-8, Mark 21:22, and Luke 11:9) as long as we ask for it in His name and that it glorifies God. (John 14:13)  However, we are also told to pray for one another. (James 5:16)  We are to love our brothers as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, and Luke 10:27) and therefore we should pray for them as we would pray for ourselves.  We are also to pray for our pastors and our governmental leaders (Hebrews 13:7) for they were put in their positions by The Lord God. (Psalm 75:6-7)  We all need prayer.  Let us stop complaining and start praying.

WHO ARE WE TO QUESTION GOD?

PROCLAMATION

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?  Tell me, if you understand.”  Job 38:4 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

Job’s friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar speak a second and third time continuing to insist that he has sinned, and Job replies to each of them and continues to maintain that he is innocent. (Job 15:1 through 31:40)  A crowd had gathered around them and was listening to their discourse.  After the men had stopped speaking, a young man from the crowd, Elihu, began to speak. (Job 32:1-2)  He was angry because the three friends had failed to answer Job although they had stated many things which were true. (Job 32:4-22)  He asked Job to listen to him and consider what he had to say. (Job 33:1 to 37:24)  After he spoke, The Lord God spoke to Job out of a storm and began to ask Job a series of questions. (Job 38:1 to 41:34)  This is one of the questions which God asked Job.

APPLICATION

It is not our place to question God.  What right does the clay pot have to question the pot maker.  With our very limited capacity for understanding, we would never be able to comprehend why The Lord God does what He does even if He would choose to answer us.  People frequently ask, “Why me, Lord?”  To which I would respond, “Why not you?”  What makes us think that we are so special that we should not have to endure suffering and trouble?  Every man born of a woman will live a life full of trouble. (Job 14:1)  We are conceived and born in sin (Psalm 51:5) and therefore on our own we cannot be righteous. (Job 15:14)  We are justified through the blood of Christ (Romans 5:9) and it is through Him that we are redeemed. (Ephesians 1:7)  So, let us not try to adopt a “holier than thou” attitude because we are all sinners, some of whom are saved by the grace of God.

SOME FRIENDLY ADVICE IS JUST WRONG

PROCLAMATION

“Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that He would open His lips against you and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides.  Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin.”  Job 11:5-6 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

As Job continues to complain about his situation (Job 10:1-7) he then begins to plead with God to end his suffering and let him die. (Job 10:8-22)  After this his friend Zophar replies to him and reproves him.  He calls Job a man who just wants to hear himself speak and who presents falsehoods. (Job 11:1-4)  Zophar asks Job a series of rhetorical questions and then he says that he wishes God would speak and tell Job his sins. (Job 11:5-6)  He continues to question Job  and then he tells him that his life would be better if he would just repent of his sins and allow God to bless him. (Job 11:13-20)  To this Job replies and he reproves his friends. (Job 12:1-12)  Then Job tells them that he knows the power of God (Job 12:13-25) and continues to reprove them. (13:1-12)  Afterwards Job states, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (Job 13:15)  He continues to profess his innocence and begs The Lord God to tell what sins he has been charged with. (Job 13:18-28)

APPLICATION
No one wants to hear their friends call them a liar. (Job 11:3)  Our friends are supposed to tell us the truth, even when no one else will.  However, if they do not know the truth, they cannot share it.  Friendly advice is usually given with our best interest at heart; but if they do not know the whole story, their advice is likely to be wrong.  Unfortunately, some of our friends think that they know all the answers to our problems, but they cannot solve their own problems.  When we need help, it is best for us to turn to The Lord. (Psalm 46:1)  Only He has the power to help us. (Isaiah 41:13 and Matthew 28:18)  Trust not in man, (Psalm 146:3) trust in The Lord God. (Psalm 16:1)

THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR

PROCLAMATION

“Although I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life.  It is all the same; that is why I say, ‘He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.’”  Job 9:21-22 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

Chapter seven of The Bible Book of Job begins with Job offering excuses for his desire to die. (Job 7:1-6)  Then he begins to bargain with God (Job 7:7-16) and afterwards he tries to reason with God. (Job 7:17-21)  His friend Bildad then speaks up and reproves Job. (8:1-7)  He states that The Lord God would not cast away an upright man, but He would destroy the wicked man. (Job 8:20-22)  In chapter nine, Job replies to his friend Bildad.  Job acknowledges God’s justice (Job 9:1-13) but he maintains his own innocence. (Job 9:21-22)  Then Job resumes complaining about his situation. (Job 9:25-35)

APPLICATION

When we speculate based upon only part of the facts, we frequently come to the wrong conclusion.  We know that all people have sinned (Romans 3:23) and that some of them have been given over to the penalty of their sin. (Job 8:3-4)  We know that God punishes sinners.  However, we are wrong to think that everyone that suffers is being punished for their sins.  Some suffering is part of God’s permissive will, as was the case with Job. (Job 1:6-19 and 2:6)  Some suffering is due to the sins of our grandparents and great grandparents. (Exodus 20:5 and 34:7, Numbers 14:18, and Deuteronomy 5:9)  We should not judge others (Luke 6:37) because we do not have all of the necessary information.  What we should do is pray for those individuals who are suffering from whatever cause.

SOMETIMES OUR FRIENDS DON'T REALLY KNOW US

PROCLAMATION

“But now be so kind as to look at me.  Would I lie to your face?  Relent, do not be unjust; reconsider, for my integrity is at stake.”  Job 6:28-29 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

After discarding the advice from his wife, (Job 2:9-10) three of Job’s friends, having heard about his troubles, came to visit him and to comfort him. (Job 2:11-13)  They sat with him for seven days without saying a word. (Job 2:13)  After that Job spoke, and he complained about his situation, and he cursed the day that he was born. (Job 3:1-26)  His friend Eliphaz then spoke and said that Job should remember the words which he had taught to others. (Job 4:1-6)  He said that those who sow trouble will reap it. (Job 4:7-9)  Then he asked Job can a mortal be more righteous than God? (Job 4:17)  Afterwards he told Job, “If I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before Him.” (Job 5:8)  Then he said, “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” (Job 5:17)  Job replied that he wished that God would grant his request and kill him. (Job 6:8-10)  Job also told his friend that he had not sinned, and he would not lie about it. (Job 6:28-30)

APPLICATION

People can be our friend for years and not really know us.  They may know what we did in the past and who we were, but they do not know who we are now.  If they are non-believers, then they really cannot understand us or our behavior.  Their assessment of us and our situation is based upon insufficient information and their advice should be taken with a grain of salt.  If their premise is wrong, then their advice is also wrong.  Sometimes the best thing that a friend can do is just be there with us and keep their opinions to themselves.  When we need help, we should “take our burdens to The Lord and leave them there.”  The Lord God knows us, He knows all about us, and He knows what is best for us.  Trust not in man, (Psalm 146:3) trust in The Lord God. (Psalm 16:1)

EVEN YOUR MATE MAY TRY TO TURN YOU AGAINST GOD

PROCLAMATION

“His wife said to him, ‘Are you still maintaining your integrity?  Curse God and die!’  He replied, ‘You are talking like a foolish woman.  Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’  In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”  Job 2:9-10 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

The Lord God told Satan, when he again presented himself before Him, that Job maintained his integrity even though you took all that he had and tried to ruin him. (Job 2:3)  Satan replied that if his flesh and bones were affected, then he would curse God. (Job 2:4-5)  The Lord God then gave Satan permission to attack Job’s health but not take his life. (Job 2:6)  Job was afflicted with painful sores from the top of his head to the soles of his feet.  Satan even used Job’s wife to get him to turn against God, but he would not curse The Lord God. (Job 2:7-10)

APPLICATION

When times are bad and we feel like everything is going against us, we need to be careful about the advice we receive even from our loved ones.  They may mean well but they may have very selfish motives.  The Lord God will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)  We may be going through a storm, but He will be with us in the midst of the storm.  We just need to go through it, persevere, and endure, (Matthew 10:22) and keep the faith because our joy is coming. (Psalm 30:5)  We should look to Him who is our help, (Psalm 121:1) and if we keep our focus on Him, we will not sink. (Matthew 14:28-31)  Peter did not sink until he took his eyes off of Jesus, The Christ, and began to focus on the storm.  Blessed is the man who endures, for when he is tried, he shall receive a crown that The Lord God has promised. (James 1:12)

THE LORD GOD GIVES AND HE TAKES AWAY

THE LORD GOD GIVES AND HE TAKES AWAY

PROCLAMATION

“At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head.  Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.  The Lord gave and The Lord has taken away; may the name of The Lord be praised.”  Job 1:20-21 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

Job was an upright man who feared The Lord God.  Job was also very wealthy, and he had large herds of sheep, camels, oxen, and donkeys.  He also had a large number of servants. (Job 1:1-3)  The Lord God allowed Satan to take everything from Job except his health (Job 1:6-19) and Job still praised The Lord. (Job 1:20-22)

APPLICATION
Everything that we have is a gift from The Lord God and that includes our health, each breath, and each heartbeat.  When we leave this world, we will not take anything with us.  The things which we put so much value on in this life will have no meaning for us when life ends.  All that we have is only temporarily on loan to us and is not really ours.  Everything on earth belongs to The Lord God, (Psalm 24:1)  He can give some of it to us and He can take it away from us as He pleases.  We should praise God during the good times and during the times which are not so good.  In fact, we should praise The Lord all of the time. (Psalm 34:1)

WORK FOR THE GOOD OF THE PEOPLE

PROCLAMATION

Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, pre-eminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and he spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.”  Esther 10:3 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

After King Xerxes had Haman killed and impaled upon a pole, he gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman and she made Mordecai the overseer of the estate. (Esther 8:1-2)  Then Esther again pleaded with the king and he rescinded the decrees which Haman had written.  He had Mordecai to write new laws overruling the old decrees and sent them to all 127 provinces. (Esther 8:3-14)  There was happiness, gladness, and celebration among the Jews in every city and province throughout the land. (Esther 8:15-17)  Then the Jews assembled and attacked and killed all of their enemies who had planned to destroy them. (Esther 9:1-12)  Afterwards, Queen Esther asked the king to also impale Haman’s ten sons on poles and he granted her request. (Esther 9:13-15)  When all of their enemies had been killed, the two-day feasting celebration of Purim was established. (Esther 9:16-32)  Mordecai became more powerful and was promoted to second in rank only to the king and was held in high esteem by the people. (Esther 10:1-3)

APPLICATION
Some of the time success, and positions of authority and influence, can come from working for the good of the people instead of for self-promotion.  One can become highly esteemed by consistently doing things for the greater good and rise to positions of influence, power, and authority.  However, “with great power comes great responsibility.” (Original author unknown but similar statements were made by Winston Churchill, Teddy Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, and more recently quoted by Peter Parker/Spider-Man)  Once on the top one needs to do the right thing for the benefit of the people and not just for one’s self or cronies  So, we ought to pray for guidance and direction as we make decisions and take actions which could affect others.  If we obtain any measure of success, we should remember that Jesus, The Christ, said, “For unto whomever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48)  

THE BAD THAT WE WISH FOR OTHERS MAY BE DONE TO US

PROCLAMATION

“So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai.”  Esther 7:10 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

After Esther agreed to do that which Mordecai had requested of her to save her people, she asked him to have the people fast and pray for her for three days. (Esther 4:15-17)  Then Esther approached the king and asked him to come to a banquet which she had prepared for him.  She also asked that Haman be present. (Esther 5:1-5)  At the banquet the king asked her what it was that she wanted.  She requested that the king and Haman attend a second banquet the following day and then she would answer his question. (Esther 5:6-8)  After the first banquet, Haman left feeling very full of himself until he saw Mordecai.  Then he went home filled with rage.  His wife and friends told him to have a pole set up and ask the king to have Mordecai impaled upon it. (Esther 5:9-14)  The king had been reminded that Mordecai had warned him about a threat to assassinate him.  When the king saw Haman, he asked him how he should honor such a man.  Haman offered a suggestion thinking that the king was going to honor him. (Esther 6:1-9)  Then the king told him to go and bestow this honor upon Mordecai.  He did as the king requested and returned home in grief. (Esther 6:10-13)  At the second banquet, Esther told the king that Haman had ordered that all of the Jews be destroyed, killed, and annihilated and that she was a Jew. (Esther 7:1-6)  Then the king left the room in a rage.  He returned to find Haman on the couch with Esther and he had Haman impaled on the pole which he had set up for Mordecai. (Esther 7:9-10)

APPLICATION

It is not good to think evil of someone or to wish evil upon someone.  As believers we are to pray for and do good to our enemies. (Matthew 5:44)  We are not even to think evil thoughts about the bad things we want to befall those that we do not like. (Proverbs 40:7)  We are to do that which is good and right to those who we feel have wronged us and The Lord God will deal with them. (Proverbs 25:22 and Romans 12:20)  We are not to return evil for the evil which was done to us. (Romans 12:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, and 1 Peter 2:14)  The Bible says that we ourselves may fall into the hole which we have dug for others. (Psalm 7:15)  “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)

WE ARE WHERE WE ARE FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

PROCLAMATION

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your family’s family will perish.  And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”  Esther 4:14 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

After Queen Vashti was banished from the kingdom, King Xerxes decreed that a search be conducted for all the beautiful young virgins in the kingdom in order to find a replacement for Vashti. (Esther 2:1-4)  Esther, who had been raised by her Jewish cousin Mordecai, was one of many young women brought to the king’s palace and placed under the care of Hegai, who was the eunuch in charge of the king’s harem. (Esther 2:5-8)  After twelve months of beauty treatments each woman would go in and spend the night with the king.  Afterwards she would return to another part of the harem under the care of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the concubines and stay there until summoned by the king. (Esther 2:8-14)  Esther pleased the king more than any of the other virgins and he made her the new queen to replace Vashti. (Esther 2:17-18)  At that time, Mordecai angered Haman, who had the highest position of honor among the king’s nobles, because he would not kneel down to him and he wanted to kill Mordecai and all of the Jews. (Esther 3:1-6)  Haman convinced the king to issue a decree to kill all of the Jews on the same day and he sent couriers out to proclaim this in all provinces. (Esther 3:8-15)  When Mordecai learned of this, he requested Esther’s help to plead for the king’s mercy to save the Jews, but she initially refused. (Esther 4:1-11)  Then Mordecai told her, “who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? 

APPLICATION

All things happen for a reason.  Each of us has a sphere of influence, a person, or a group of people whose behavior we can affect.  These people will listen to us and they will do what we say or suggest.  We may not all have a title, but we are still in a position of influence.  It is by the providence of God that we are where we are at any given time.  Let us be careful regarding the advice which we give to others.  We do not want to be the one who causes someone to stumble and fall into sin. (Malachi 2:8)  We especially do not want to cause a child of God to go the wrong way. (Mark 9:42 and Luke 17:2)  Let us pray that our words and advice will always be given with grace and be helpful to those who receive them. (Colossians 4:6)

DO NOT THINK TOO HIGHLY OF YOURSELF

PROCLAMATION

“According to the law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?” he asked.  “She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes …”  “Therefore … let him issue a royal decree … that Vashti is never again to enter the presence of King Xerxes.  Also let the king give her royal position to someone else …”  Esther 1:15-19 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

During the third year of his reign, King Xerxes gave a banquet for all of his nobles, officials, military leaders, and the princes of all the provinces. (Esther 1:1-4)  When this was finished, he held a banquet for all of the people who were in the citadel of Susa. (Esther 1:5-8)  At the same time Queen Vashti held a banquet for all of the women of the royal palace. (Esther 1:9)  The king had been showing off his wealth and possessions (Esther 1:4) and also wanted to show off his wife (Esther 1:11) but he was “merry with wine”. (Esther 1:10)  On the seventh day of his banquet the king sent for the queen, but she refused to come to him. (Esther 1:10-12)  There was no reason given for her refusal.  The king was angry with her and, after consulting with his legal advisers, he banished her from the kingdom by a royal decree which also stated that all women will respect their husbands. (Esther 1:12-22)

APPLICATION

We should always remember, that which is given to us can also be taken away from us.  We should not let our positions, or our possessions, go to our heads.  We should not think too highly of ourselves. (Romans 12:3)  Our positions are God given and He can put us up or down as He sees fit to do. (Psalm 75:7)  The Lord can give, and The Lord can take away, blessed be the name of The Lord. (Job 1:21) 

REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY AND KEEP IT HOLY

PROCLAMATION

“Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy.”  Nehemiah 13:22 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

After the people had been taught The Law, they gathered together, fasted, prayed, and wore sackcloth as they confessed their sins and asked to be forgiven. (Nehemiah 9:1-3)  Chapter three of The Bible Book of Nehemiah records the prayer that the Levites prayed. (Nehemiah 9:5-37)  Chapter ten records the agreement to keep The Lord’s commands (Nehemiah 10:28-39) which they signed and the names of the people that signed it. (Nehemiah 10:1-27)  Chapter eleven records the names of the new residents of Jerusalem.  They were the leaders and one out of every ten people who had drawn lots to become Jerusalem residents. (Nehemiah 11:1-19)  The rest of the people stayed in the towns and villages throughout Judah. (Nehemiah 11:20-36)  Chapter twelve begins by listing the names of the priests and Levites that returned to Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 12:1-26) The second half of the chapter details the events surrounding the dedication of the completed wall of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 12:27-47)  The Book of Nehemiah ends with chapter thirteen which explains the final reforms which Nehemiah instituted.  Only Israelites were to be allowed in the temple. (Nehemiah 13:1-9)  The Levites were to be given their fair share of the temple gifts and reassigned to their posts. (Nehemiah 13:10-13)  The selling of food and goods was stopped and not allowed on the Sabbath. (Nehemiah 13:15-22)  Finally, he rebuked the men of Judah who had married foreign women. (Nehemiah 13:23-28)

APPLICATION
There are some things which believers are not supposed to do.  However, some of the things which believers are allowed to do should not be done on The Sabbath Day.  The Bible teaches us to “Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)  The Sabbath Day is to be a day of rest and worship.  The Sabbath Day is The Lord’s Day and He is to be our primary focus on that day.  In all that we do, let us remember to worship The Lord and give Him praise, honor, and glory on His day.

HEARING THE WORD OF GOD DOES NOT MEAN UNDERSTANDING

PROCLAMATION

“They read from The Book of The Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.”  Nehemiah 8:8 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

In chapter five of The Bible Book of Nehemiah there is a report of an outcry from the people that they were suffering because of the famine and the taxes which they had to pay. (Nehemiah 5:1-5)  Then it detailed the actions that Nehemiah took to solve the problem. (Nehemiah 5:6-13)  After this, King Artaxerxes appointed Nehemiah to be the governor over the land of Judah. (Nehemiah 5:14)  Chapter six presents the continuing opposition from their enemies over the rebuilding of the wall. (Nehemiah 6:1-13)  In spite of this, the wall was completed in fifty-two days. (Nehemiah 6:15)  Chapter seven of The Bible Book of Nehemiah included the names of the men of Israel who had returned from exile, as it is reported in chapter two of The Bible Book of Ezra.  Afterwards, Ezra the priest read to the people from The Book of The Law of Moses and the people were instructed in The Law. (Nehemiah 8:1-9)  The people were taught the meaning of The Law so that they understood it. (Nehemiah 8:7-9)

APPLICATION
The Holy Word of God does not make sense to non-believers. (Matthew 13:13)  Parts of The Bible can even be confusing to believers. (Matthew 13:36)  That is why we are told to study The Word of God in order to be able to correctly understand it. (2 Timothy 2:15)  Preaching is more than just reading God’s Holy Word to the people, it also includes some explaining and teaching.  However, for a more in depth understanding of God’s Holy Word, one needs to attend Bible study sessions.  It is not enough for us to hear The Word of God; we need to also be doers of The Word (James 1:22) and we cannot do that if we do not understand it.

SUCCESS FAVORS THE PREPARED

PROCLAMATION

“Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.”  Nehemiah 4:23 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

Chapter three of The Bible Book of Nehemiah reveals how the Israelites were assigned sections of the wall to rebuild. (Nehemiah 3:1-32)  The priests and the people went to work rebuilding sections of the wall as they were assigned. Some of the people were assigned to rebuild the sections of the wall which was near their homes. (Nehemiah 3:10)  Chapter four recounts the opposition they encountered while rebuilding the wall. Their enemies said that they would sneak up on them and kill them to stop the work on the wall. (Nehemiah 4:11)  Some of the men worked while others stood by armed with spears, shields, and bows and arrows.  In some cases, men did work with one hand and held a weapon in the other hand. (Nehemiah 4:16-18)  They kept their weapons with them at all times and slept fully clothed. (Nehemiah 4:23)

APPLICATION

There is an old saying, “Stay ready so you won’t have to get ready.”  Preparation beforehand is always better than waiting until the last minute to get ready.  In this case they stayed ready for battle.  Today, however, we need to be ready for and stay ready for the coming of The Lord. The Bible says, “… be ye also ready …” because we know not the hour or the day when The Son of Man will come. (Matthew 24:44 and Luke 12:40)  We need to humble ourselves, pray for forgiveness, and turn from our sinful ways before Christ returns. (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

THE LORD CAN USE PEOPLE TO HELP US

PROCLAMATION

“And I answered the king, ‘If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.’”  Nehemiah 2:5 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Nehemiah, the last Book of history in the Old Testament, presents the same events as recorded in The Bible Book of Ezra, but from a different perspective with slightly different details.  When Nehemiah learned of the status of the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile and the status of the city of Jerusalem, he wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed to The Lord God. (Nehemiah 1:1-11)  Nehemiah was the cupbearer for King Artaxerxes who noticed that he was sad while performing his duties and he inquired of him as to why. (Nehemiah 2:1-2)  Nehemiah told the king about the status of his people and he requested that the king give him permission to go and rebuild the city.  The king granted his request and gave him a letter to document it.  The king also sent part of his army along with him.

APPLICATION

Often it is not what we know but who we know that makes a difference in our lives.  Doing a good job and being noticed by the right people can be beneficial to us.  While it may be important to know the right people, it is even more important to know The Lord God.  He is the one that we should go to in prayer when we are concerned, upset, feeling sorry and sad, and when we want something.  Better yet, when we want Him to do something about our situation.  He may use the people that we know to help change our situation, but that only happens if He wants it to happen.  Through Him all things are possible (Matthew 19:26) and all thing work together for our good. (Romans 8:28)  We ought to acknowledge His hand in everything good that happens to us. (Proverbs 3:6)

KEEP SEPARATE FROM THAT WHICH IS UNGODLY

PROCLAMATION

“But now, our God, what can we say after this?  For we have forsaken the commands You gave through Your servants the prophets when You said: ‘The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples.  By their detestable practices they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other.  Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons…”  Ezra 10:10-12 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

Several months after the celebration and dedication of the temple, the Israelites celebrated the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days.  (Ezra 6:19-22)  Chapter seven of the Bible Book of Ezra contains the letter which King Artaxerxes wrote to Ezra, and his decree regarding the Israelites. (Ezra 7:26)  Chapter eight contains the names of the head of each family that was with Ezra. (Ezra 8:1-14)  It also includes the actions which Ezra took after he learned that there were no Levites there with him. (Ezra 8:15-36)  Sometime later on Ezra learned that the people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, had intermarried with the neighboring people who had once been their enemies.  He was very grieved by this.  He gathered the people together, and after much prayer, (Ezra 9:1-15) the men agreed to separate themselves from their foreign wives and any children from those marriages. (Ezra 10:1-17)  The second half of chapter ten of The Book of Ezra listed all of the men who had married foreign women. (Ezra 10:18-44)

APPLICATION

As believers we are not supposed to do all of the things that non-believers do.  Just because we can do it does not mean that we should do it.  It may not be illegal or immoral, but if it goes against The Word of God, then we should not do it.  Like Christ, we are in this world but not of it. (John 8:23)  We are to function in a Christ-like manner in this sin-sick world without taking on its sinful ways.  We are not to befriend or hang out with those individuals who consciously practice ungodly behavior. (Ephesians 5:11)  Only birds of the same feather will flock together. (Amos 3:3)  Let us fellowship one with another as part of the body of Christ. (1 John 1:7)

IF GOD IS WITH US THE OPPOSITION DOES NOT MATTER

PROCLAMATION

“But the eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written reply be received.”  Ezra 5:5 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

In chapter one of The Bible Book of Ezra, Cyrus the king of Persia issued a proclamation which allowed the Israelites to be released from their captivity and return to Jerusalem. (Ezra 1:1-4)  In chapter two there is a listing of the men of Israel who came up from the captivity of the exiles and returned to Judah. (Ezra 2:1-67)  Chapter three records the beginning of the rebuilding of the altar and the temple of The Lord. (Ezra 3:1-13)  Chapter four details the events which led to the opposition to, and stoppage of, the rebuilding of the temple of The Lord during the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia. (Ezra 4:1-24)  In Chapter five, with Darius king of Persia and under the direction of Haggai and Zechariah the prophets of God, the Israelites resumed the rebuilding of the temple. (Ezra 5:1-2)  There was still opposition to their work, but The Lord God was with them. (Ezra 5:3-5)  The Israelites appealed to Darius, who found the original decree from Cyrus and he also issued a similar decree. (Ezra 6:1-12)  The temple was finally completed, and the Israelites dedicated it to The Lord with a celebration. (Ezra 6:15-16)

APPLICATION

If we walk God’s way and obey His Holy Word, we will be victorious. (1 Corinthians 15:57)  It does not matter who or what stands in our way or opposes us.  The Lord will make a way for us to overcome and succeed when there appears to be no way for that to happen. (Isaiah 43:19)  If The Lord God is with us, no person or thing can stand against us or stop us. (Romans 8:31)

THE RETURN FROM EXILE

PROCLAMATION

“Any of His people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of The Lord, The God of Israel, The God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them.”  Ezra 1:3 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

The Israelites who were not killed during the attack by the king of Babylon were taken into captivity. (2 Chronicles 36:17-20)  They remained in exile for seventy years until the Persians came into power.  The Lord God moved on the heart of the king of Persia to release them. (2 Chronicles 36:21-23)  He issued a proclamation stating that the Israelites could leave and return to Judah.  He also said that the people of Persia were to give the Israelites silver and gold, and goods and livestock. (Ezra 1:1-4)  Cyrus king of Persia gave them the articles that belonged to the temple of The Lord which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem. (Ezra 1:7)

APPLICATION

When times seem to be going bad for us, The Lord God makes a way out of it for us when there appears to be no way out.  Even when the situation that we are in is the result of our own poor choices, He makes a way for us.  He is The God of another chance.  There are times when The Lord God uses the people in our lives to be a blessing to us.  They do things for us, quite unexpectedly, when we need help.  When we look back over our life, we ought to be able to see God’s hand in it helping us.  We ought to thank Him daily, several times each day, for the things which He has done for us.

RESURRECTION SUNDAY

PROCLAMATION

 “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.  Come see the place where The Lord lay.”  Matthew 28:6 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words were recorded under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the apostle Matthew.  When Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, the mother of James, arrived at the tomb where the body of Jesus had been placed, they encountered an angel who was sitting on the rock which had sealed the door of the tomb. (Matthew 28:2)  The angel told them that he knew that they were looking for Jesus, who had been crucified, but He was not there. (Matthew 28:5-6)  The angel said, “He is not here; He is risen, as He said.” (Matthew 28:6)  The angel said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?  He is not here; He has risen!  Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”  Then they remembered. (Luke 24:1-8)

APPLICATION

Each of the four gospels gives an account of the post crucifixion resurrection of Jesus, The Christ. (Matthew 28:6, Mark 16:6, Luke 24:6, and John 20:11-12)  Belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ is essential for salvation of our lost soul. (Romans 10:9)  There are recorded witnesses to His death on the cross and the placing of His body in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.  There are also many witnesses to His resurrection.  He appeared first to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9 and John 20:14-18), then to two of His disciples as they walked towards the village called Emmaus. (Mark 16:12 and Luke 24:13-32)  He appeared to His disciples in the upper room as they ate without Thomas, (Mark 16:14, Luke 24:35-51, and John 20:19-22) and again in the upper room with Thomas present. (John 20:26-29)  He also appeared to His disciples at the sea of Tiberias. (John 21:1-14)  For forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:3) Jesus appeared to His disciples, spoke to them, and at times He ate with them.  His disciples witnessed His ascension to heaven from a mountain in Galilee. (Matthew 28:16-17 and Acts 1:9)  The resurrection happened and there are multiple witnesses to verify it.  His crucifixion was predicted more than four hundred years earlier by the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 53:5-12)  The only thing left for us to do today is to accept or reject the account of the resurrection of Christ as it is presented in The Bible, The Holy Word of God.  He is risen.  Have a blessed and happy celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, The Christ.

HOLY SATURDAY

PROCLAMATION

“At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid.  Because it was the Jewish Day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.”  John 19:41-42 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

After Jesus, The Christ, said while hanging on the cross, ‘It is finished” (John 19:30) and “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46) He bowed His head, gave up His spirit and died.  Because it was Preparation Day and the next day was the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies to be left on the crosses during the Sabbath.  When they found that Jesus was already dead, they did not break his legs. (John 19:31-33)  Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus and, accompanied by Nicodemus, they took the body away. (John 19:38-40)  They placed the body of Jesus in Joseph’s new unused tomb which had been carved out of stone. (Matthew 27:59-60) 

APPLICATION

With respect to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, we know the events which happened on Good Friday and the events which occurred on Resurrection Sunday.  What is not clear is what happened on Saturday while the body of Jesus laid in the grave.  The Bible records that the apostle John, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God,  John  had a vision of Christ and was told to write down the things that he had seen during his out of body experience. (Revelation 1:10-19)  Jesus, The Christ, told John, “I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1:18 (NIV)  I remember being taught that after He gave up His life on the cross, Jesus descended into hell and did something before He returned and rose early Sunday morning.  Jesus holds the keys to death and hell in His hands.  This speaks to the sovereignty, the power, and the authority of Christ over death and hell.  However, Jesus raised three individuals from death before He was crucified.  He raised Lazarus from the grave, (John 11:41-44) the synagogue leader’s daughter (Matthew 9:23-24) and the widow’s son. (Luke 7:11-15)  So, clearly Jesus had the power over death while He was alive on earth.  After He rose from the dead, He said that He has all power in heaven and earth. (Matthew 28:18)  I do not know what happen on that Holy Saturday but, as the song says, “We will understand it better, bye and bye.”  One day we will all be “… absent from the body …” and “… present with The Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8)  Until that day comes, I will pray, worship, and serve The Lord.

THE LAST SEVEN SAYINGS OF CHRIST ON THE CROSS

PROCLAMATION

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  Luke 23:34

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”  Luke 23:43

“Woman, here is your son … Here is your mother.”  John 19:26-27

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”  Matthew 27:46

“I thirst.”  John 19:28

“It is finished.”  John 19:30

“Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.”  Luke 23:46

EXPLANATION

After He had been beaten, scourged, and mocked, Jesus, The Christ, was nailed to a cross in a place called Golgotha.  While on the cross, He prayed to His Heavenly Father and asked Him to “forgive them.”  Then He briefly ignored His suffering to offer salvation to one of the criminals who was being crucified on a cross beside Him.  He also took the time to provide for the care of His earthly mother.  He suffered physically and mentally and cried out in a loud voice while He was on the cross.  When He had finished all that He had to do, He gave up His spirit and died.

APPLICATION

Jesus, The Christ, was chastised, beaten, bruised, scourged, wiped, wounded, and crucified for our sins, transgressions, and iniquities. (Isaiah 53:5)  We are all included in the people that He prayed for His Heavenly Father to forgive them while He was on the cross.  We all made it necessary for Him to pay the price for our sins, and to take our place and suffer the punishment which we deserved.  He was considerate and concerned for others even while He was suffering.  He who was without sin, took on the sins of the world, and paid the price for our sins, past, present and future. (John 1:29)  He was not killed.  He suffered and willingly gave up His life for us.  We should remember that, and how He suffered, especially when we take communion.  The good news is that this is not how the story ends.  Three days later He conquered death and rose from the dead.

THE FALL OF JUDAH AND JERUSALEM

PROCLAMATION

“He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his successors until the kingdom of Persia came to power.”  2 Chronicles 36:20 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

After all the good that King Josiah accomplished, in the end he went to war without consulting The Lord.  When Necho king of Egypt attacked Carchemish on the Euphrates river, Josiah marched out to meet him in battle. (2 Chronicles 35:20)  Necho told Josiah that he had no quarrel with him, and that The Lord God was with him and that He had told him to do what he was doing.  However, Josiah ignored him and persisted in battle where he was shot by an archer and mortally wounded. (2 Chronicles 35:21-24)  The people made Jehoahaz son of Josiah king of Judah, but he only reigned for three months. (2 Chronicles 36:1-2)  The king of Egypt dethroned him and made his brother Eliakim king of Judah and Jerusalem.  He changed the kings name to Jehoiakim. (2 Chronicles 36:3-5)  Then Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon attacked him and took him to bound in shackles to Babylon.  His son Jehoiachin succeeded him as king. (2 Chronicles 36:6-8)  Jehoiachin was king for three months before Nebuchadnezzar sent for him and replaced him with his uncle, Zedekiah, who did evil in the eyes of The Lord and led the people away from God. (2 Chronicles 36:9-14)  Zedekiah rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar who then attacked them and killed all of their young men and women.  All of the people who were not killed were taken into captivity and they lived in exile in Babylon.  He raided the temple and the palace, taking everything of value, and then burned the temple and the palace. (2 Chronicles 36:13-20)  

APPLICATION

When we act without asking The Lord God if that which we plan to do is in His will, when we ignore what the man of God says for us to do, when we cause people to sin and go against The Word of God, we will be punished severely and pay a serious price for our actions.  When we as believers behave in an ungodly manner, we will not lose our salvation, but we will be punished for our misbehavior.  Our prayer requests for forgiveness does not cancel out our punishment,  our forgiveness restores our right fellowship with God.  So, pray, confess shortcomings, ask for guidance and direction, and be obedient to His Holy Word.