Today’s Reading: Nehemiah 2:11-18
Today’s Verse: Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Nehemia 2:17 KJV
There will always be a time when we think about how things used to be.
To think back on the things of our past can bring on feelings of sorrow and loss.
Remembering how and where we grew up. The people that crossed our paths.
Sometimes the things we remember, and love are no longer there.
Things have changed.
We realize that we are not the same person we were back then.
That we have changed. Hopefully for the better.
We must acknowledge that we cannot change the past.
Many of us will because the Lord is in our lives. Our past has been washed away. The Lord has made a change in our lives.
One that leads to a better future.
Nehemiah had been in exile from the land of Israel for many years.
He learned of the situation of his people. The damage and destruction in the city of Jerusalem.
He was granted permission form Artaxerxes, the Persian King, to return and rebuild the walls.
He did a preliminary survey of the situation, to gain information. (Nehemiah 2:13-15 KJV).
He then told the people of the city, “Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach” (Nehemia 2:17 KJV).
Nehemiah did not return to the city to reminisce. He returned to rebuild it.
Letting the people know that God had put it into his heart to build the wall of Jerusalem.
That he did not want to do it without them.
It is a powerful lesion for us as we consider the damaged parts of our past. All the things we need to repair.
When we encourage ourselves and one another in what is good, we will always find the strength we need.
It is our faith in Christ and His power that makes it possible to look ahead, move forward and rebuild.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, there will always be a time when we look at where we have come from. Knowing that with You our lives have changed. That by stirring up ourselves and one another to that which is good, we strengthen ourselves and one another for anything we face in life. Thank You for the work You are doing in and through us. For giving us the ability to rebuild. To make wonderful changes in or lives.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen