Daily Manna 24 May
TEXT: Nehemiah 1:1-11
KEY VERSE:
“And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.” – (Nehemiah 1:4)
The history of the children of Israel is one that has continued to provide instructive principles for believers today. Jerusalem occupies a central place in their entire history. The city symbolises divine relationship, sanctuary, royalty, national identity, heritage, and everything that has to do with their entire life as a people and nation.
In our passage today, Nehemiah shows us the unique place Jerusalem occupies in the heart of every Jew. He must have remembered the words of Jeremiah: “Ye that have escaped the sword, go away, stand not still… and let Jerusalem come into your mind” (Jeremiah 51:50).
Although he was in a comfortable position in the palace, he considered it a sin to forget Jerusalem, the city of God, the place of worship. He enquired after the welfare of the city and the remnants. He was gravely saddened when he learnt that “…the remnant… are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire” (verse 3).
Read yesterday’s Daily Manna here
Nehemiah’s love for his birthplace and fellow Jews made him to develop serious burden which could not be shaken off by circumstances around him. His passion and love for his nation brought about the vision and strategies as well as commitment to do something to improve the situation through prayers and practical involvement.
Are you burdened about the state of your country, church or local assembly where you worship? Do you even care about fellow Christians? Or you just complain and murmur about every situation? Learn from Nehemiah who was patriotic enough to fast, pray and take appropriate actions to reverse the negative trends in Jerusalem.
Daily Manna 24 May 2020 – THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Out of sight is not out of mind when your heart is where your treasure is.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 10-11
