Pulling Out Hair

As I reflect on the book of Nehemiah, I think the word that best summarizes the book is perseverance.

Pulling Out Hair

"In those days I also saw Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and could not speak the language of Judah, but spoke according to the language of one or the other people. So I contended with them and cursed them [pronounced them cursed], struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, 'You shall not give your daughters as wives to their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons or yourselves.'"

(Nehemiah 13:23-25)

In Nehemiah 10:30, the Israelites had agreed to not give their daughters as wives to other nations "nor take their daughters for our sons." They quickly forgot their promise and began to sin in this way of intermarrying with those who were not Israelites. If this problem persisted, then a greater problem would eventually rear its head: the children not knowing or understanding the Hebrew language, which means they could not understand the Word of God. God had made it clear that He did not want them marrying unbelievers.

As I reflect on the book of Nehemiah, I think of words like leadership, worship, revival, and celebration. But the word that best summarizes the book is a character trait exemplified in the man Nehemiah. It is the word perseverance. Nehemiah faced tremendous odds and obstacles, as well as harsh criticisms, as he undertook God's commission for him, which was to rebuild the wall around the beloved city of Jerusalem.

Years ago, someone gave me a book that was a collection of quotes that dealt with the topic of perseverance. This quote by Thomas Edison was included: "My message to you is: Be courageous! Be as brave as your fathers before you. Have faith! Go forward."

As God's children, we should take bold stands for the cause of Christ. Let us be motivated by Nehemiah's example, and may we move away from timidity to action when the situation calls for it. May God grant us the courage and strength to live for Jesus Christ and uphold His cause. May God help us be bold and not weighed down with the shackles of timidity.

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In this seventh installment in his series on the Apostle Paul's letter to Titus and its application to us today (especially to men), Pastor Danny speaks on the critical importance of sound doctrine, not just for Gospel ministers, but for all Christian men especially.

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