Today's readings are Nehemiah 4.7-23 and 1 Timothy 3.1-16.
As we read in Nehemiah today we find that the people of Jerusalem are increasingly troubled by their hostile neighbors. There doesn't seem to be any rest for them, literally. By the end of the chapter everyone is on guard, on edge, looking for trouble to come from any direction.
How were the people sustained in these labors? Nehemiah gave them a hope in the Lord, who would be fighting for them. He reminded them that their struggles were temporary but God's power and majesty are eternal. He reminded them that they and their enemies would pass away but the kingdom the Lord builds is forever.
How do we face our trials? Do we shrivel up, thinking that our trials are our undoing and that we are the people who are supposed to be adequate to face and overcome those trials? Or do we look to our Lord in hope, knowing that he is the one who not only is able to face our trials but who already has done so? Let us look to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has been tested in every way that we are yet without sin. Let us look to our Lord who has given his life for us. Let us look to our Lord who became sin for us so that we could be the righteousness of God in him. Indeed the battle is over, the victory is won, Christ has conquered death, hell and the grave. There is nothing left for him to overcome.
As we read in Nehemiah today we find that the people of Jerusalem are increasingly troubled by their hostile neighbors. There doesn't seem to be any rest for them, literally. By the end of the chapter everyone is on guard, on edge, looking for trouble to come from any direction.
How were the people sustained in these labors? Nehemiah gave them a hope in the Lord, who would be fighting for them. He reminded them that their struggles were temporary but God's power and majesty are eternal. He reminded them that they and their enemies would pass away but the kingdom the Lord builds is forever.
How do we face our trials? Do we shrivel up, thinking that our trials are our undoing and that we are the people who are supposed to be adequate to face and overcome those trials? Or do we look to our Lord in hope, knowing that he is the one who not only is able to face our trials but who already has done so? Let us look to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has been tested in every way that we are yet without sin. Let us look to our Lord who has given his life for us. Let us look to our Lord who became sin for us so that we could be the righteousness of God in him. Indeed the battle is over, the victory is won, Christ has conquered death, hell and the grave. There is nothing left for him to overcome.
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com
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