The
book of Nehemiah begins with distressing news - “The wall of Jerusalem
has been broken down, and its gates have been destroyed by fire”
(Nehemiah 1:3). Nehemiah takes this situation to the Lord in prayer
(Nehemiah 1:4-11). With the help of God, the work of rebuilding begins.
This work was pleasing to the Lord (Nehemiah 2:18). This work would not
be easy. There was opposition: They “mocked and ridiculed us, ‘What is
this you are doing?’” (Nehemiah 2;19). The opponents would not succeed.
Why? - “The God of heaven” would give “success” to His people (Nehemiah
2:20). God’s work is done by many people, working together. Nehemiah 3
gives us a list of all the people who played their part in the
rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls.
“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem”, the keynote of the service was joyful thanksgiving. They gathered together “to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving” (Nehemiah 12:27). “On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy” (Nehemiah 12:43). They sang “songs of praise and thanksgiving to God” (Nehemiah 12:46). This joyful thanksgiving is only a foretaste of the greater joy and thanksgiving of heaven: “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). In the city of God, “the glory of God” will be shining with everlasting brightness (Revelation 21:23). The Church of God will be “prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). The beautiful picture of the godly wife in Proverbs 31 gives us an outline of what God is seeking to do in His people. It is summarized in Proverbs 31:30: “A woman who fears the Lord is to be
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