_And it came to pass in the month Nizan._ DIVINE INTERPOSITION I. Was opportune. 1. That God’s plans are worked out with the utmost precision. 2. That God often interferes on His people’s behalf when they least expect it. 3. That God generally interferes on His people’s behalf in their most urg... [ Continue Reading ]
_If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour._ THE MAN OF BUSINESS Such a man was Nehemiah. His strong practical sagacity is manifest throughout the whole record of his work in Jerusalem. And in his case this business ability was blended with enthusiasm. It is by such men--men combi... [ Continue Reading ]
_If it please the king, let letters be given me._ RELIGIOUS PRUDENCE I. That prudent forethought is essential to success in spiritual as in secular enterprises (Psalms 112:5; Proverbs 11:29; Proverbs 12:23; Proverbs 14:15; Luke 14:28). II. That prudent forethought is not opposed, but helpful, to... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon us._ THE POWER OF GOD IN THE INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN The secret of success is to have God with us, and what we want in our day is not more machinery or new methods of work, but more of the power of God in individual Christians. Nehem... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then I came to the governors beyond the river._ THE INITIAL STAGES OF A GREAT REFORMATION Great reformations often have an insignificant commencement and are slow in developing their true proportions. Reformation work-- I. Requires a vigorous leader. II. Should not be undertaken without a delib... [ Continue Reading ]
_So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days._ DAYS OF QUIET Some workers of the present day would have sent round the bellman and summoned the leading inhabitants to a preliminary convention within half an hour of their arrival; but there was no such unbelieving hurry-scurry with Nehemiah, an... [ Continue Reading ]
_And I arose in the night._ NEHEMIAH, THE MODEL WORKER I. He works thoughtfully. Before he commences this tremendous task he spends some time in deliberation. Who can tell the thoughts of Nehemiah as he moved amidst the ruins of Jerusalem this night? Jerusalem was the home of his fathers, the cent... [ Continue Reading ]