Skip to main content

not unusual

Nehemiah 4:17
"They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon."

It's not that unusual. 
People making a difference often come under attack. It seems to be the way of the world. Nehemiah's example is outstanding; he gave up his good job in the palace to return to a hometown he never knew and undertake the hard and laborious task to REBUILD IT! From a posh life with the royals to a life filled with BLOOD, SWEAT and TEARS. 

The Samaritans are trying to demolish the protective walls around Jerusalem Nehemiah and his team are building! Nehemiah’s people had to go to work prepared for BATTLE. This was a all hands on deck situation. Even the rulers were there at the wall. Encouraging the workers and guards. Sometimes even assisting with their own hands. And, sometimes commanding the defensive force when they were assaulted! This was a VERY dangerous work.

The closest modern equivalent might be the nation building the USA did in Afghanistan with the Taliban trying to stop them every step of the way. AND, the modern state of Israel with all of their neighbors wanting to wipe them off the map. Our culture feeds this desires of the Devil. The Devil lives for hatred and violence. He wants to snuff out good. Extinguish love, kindness and hope. We must find a way to defend ourselves while loving our neighbors as ourselves. We need to live the Good News of the Gospel. 

God made us a community for a reason. We have to remember and honor all that came before us and built everything we have. Many people sacrificed to get us where we are today. Some paid the ultimate price for our freedom. This can happen to all that serve. It should never happen to children. We have to renew and strengthen our resolve to protect and serve.

The good parts of these daily devotionals are inspired by the sermon at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg Texas. You can watch it by following this link... https://youtu.be/lf3DWkYPh64
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

to be taller

Matthew 6:27 "27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" Jesus has questions... Beginning our study this week with "Why Do You Worry?" Questions have always been a cornerstone of education, used to assess students’ knowledge, promote comprehension, and stimulate critical thinking. Well-crafted questions lead to new insights, generate discussion, and promote the comprehensive exploration of the subject. It makes sense that GOD would use questions VERY effectively. In yesterday's verses, Jesus asked "Are you not MUCH BETTER than birds?" His questions do not end there. In today's verse we read another one, "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" This is a sentence our culture needs to learn. No anxiety, no thinking, no wanting will alter our bodily height, or any other condition of our life that is fixed by God’s laws. We often wish things were different than they are, but our "wo...
Post a Comment
Read more

we also...

Romans 6:3&4 "3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." In our studies we are striving to understand God’s love and care. God's unconditional love for His followers, appreciating that we are part of GOD’S family! God is with us from cradle to grave. His divine presence is always giving us purpose and guidance. One of the most important milestones in the life of a Christian is baptism. When we are baptized, an indelible mark is made on our soul. This mark signifies a permanent transformation and dedication of the individual to God. The act of Baptism involves water and the invocation of the Holy Trinity. This ritual is seen as a symbolic washing away of original sin and a new birth into the life of Christ. Baptism is a foundational s...
Post a Comment
Read more

praise Him

Luke 1:51-53 "51 He hath shewed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away." This is Mary's Magnificat. Beginning with verse forty-six Mary's responds to Elizabeth’s blessing is EPIC! In this poem Mary praises GOD for His blessing to her and His faithfulness to Israel.  Mary's Magnificat also highlights a series of reversals in which the proud are humbled and the humble are exalted! Which we read in today's verses; "He hath shewed STRENGTH with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and EXALTED them of low degree. He hath FILLED the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away." We should marvel at GOD'S choice of this poor young girl to be the m...
Post a Comment
Read more