Daily Manna 3 February 2022
KEY VERSE: And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house. Nehemiah 7:3
TEXT: Nehemiah 7:1-4
1 Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,
2 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.
3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.
4 Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.
The general tendency after a major victory or breakthrough is to feel relaxed and let down the guard. The feeling is to think that the enemy has been vanquished and now is the time to unbuckle the armour and rest. But experience has shown that each victory opens up a new form of warfare and attracts new kinds of foes. Those who failed to learn this all-important lesson of life have suffered the most catastrophic defeat, even after victory.
Nehemiah understood this very well. After the walls of Jerusalem were finished, he saw the need to still fortify security around the city and keep safety measures. Also, sentries (watchmen) were to be placed to watch over every house. Care must be taken not to concede defeat after victory.
Every victory, success or achievement in life demands greater level of watchfulness. It is at such point that one becomes most vulnerable and susceptible to attacks and fall. Your victory now will infuriate the enemy and make him more determined to bring about your defeat and downfall.
Read yesterday’s Daily Manna here
Also, your new success and achievement will stir up the envy and jealousy of others who will become new set of foes determined to see your downfall. This is not meant to strike fear into your life or make you dread success. It is rather to help you know how to guard your success so that it will remain enduring and permanent.
Hymn writer, Charlotte Elliott, in her song, ‘Christian Seek Not Yet Repose’ advises the warrior to ‘Watch and pray’.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Still keep your guard!
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 7-9
Thank you for studying today’s Daily Manna – Victorious But On Guard – by Pastor W.F Kumuyi
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Daily Manna 3 February 2022
