Monday November 22nd concluded our Monday Night FMO Men's Bible Study on Nehemiah. Wow, the things Nehemiah brought to the table for us as men in the way of character & leadership! Nehemiah preceded our last study in the book of Job, and only added to the whole "start strong & finish strong" example of a godly man. Nehemiah in essence received discernment from God for the returning from captivity children of Israel. Nehemiah's initial reaction was that of weeping, immediately followed by prayer and fasting, upwards of forty days, again, WOW! As modern men we often struggle with just one hour of self deprivation, yet ask us not to eat for a day, we loose our minds. This example however is essential to our growth as godly christian men and is a practice we would all benefit from. The bigger take a way was the interceding Nehemiah did on behalf of the children of Israel.
*God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.
-- Oswald Chambers
Which brings me to the title of this Blog (rhymes with flog), Thank You Oswald Chambers! As we wrapped up Nehemiah 13 we see a returning Nehemiah, having departed after completing the rebuilding of the wall, the re organization of the children of Israel the setting up of godly order and re instituting the reading of the Law of God, which brought about revival. Unfortunately, the returning Nehemiah finds the children of Israel in need of some reform. The Bible doesn't say why Nehemiah returned, but I think it is safe to say Nehemiah's heart was with his people and in an effort to follow up on the processes he had initiated, we find him discovering the Nehemiah chapter 10 oath making children of Israel engaged in their old ways.
This is where Nehemiah truly shines as a man of God and leader, without a word of criticism he immediately goes into action as he intercedes for them. Without lengthy, drawn out conversation on WHY or HOW these thing happened, but simply straight forward firm and concise actions, many of which required having to make tough decisions, in an effort to rid them of the compromise that had ever so swiftly seeped in.
This is my prayer, that I might through the empowerment of the Holy Ghost, actively reading, prayer and fasting and some honest accountability from other men who love God and are not afraid to intercede on my behalf as I allow God to mold me into a usable, obedient servant with the ability to repeat the words of Nehemiah "Remember me, O my God, for good!" or of Paul "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Be Blessed!
