Yet.
He never forgot the suffering of his people. He heard of it. He went for it. He responded to it.
What can I do this day to show kindness to you? We all have problems---we live with ourselves, we know it. When a noble reaches down to a commoner, he makes the heart of God glad. No respecter of persons here. No big people and little people for Nehemiah. Just a very big heart for his God.
So.
He inquires about how they are really doing. Makes me want to go inquire.
And as soon as he hears, he presents his first application to God not man: Nehemiah 1:4 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.
COME BOLDLY: Timeless Prayers
“O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people in my life. And I want to confess my sins and the sins of my children. We all have sinned against you. With our hands over our mouths, we stand in awe.
PHOTO: The Great Divide in my life. I will remember this story of Nehemiah 1 forever. It's a pivotal point for me. Another great divide of longing to pray. Present your 1st application to God not man.
He remained close to God, gave up the "good" life and returned to Israel. He took on the nobles and persevered. What an example to us!
ReplyDeleteNehemiah's story has so startled me. What a man of prayer first.
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