Dear TVCC Students,
We are finally beginning our fall study through the book of Nehemiah. It was so neat to see last night how much our summer study of Colossians was brought to life by the life of Nehemiah. Here is a recap from last night...
Nehemiah 1:
~Background: Before jumping into the text, we need to understand what state the Israelites were in during this time. The Israelites had been defeated by Assyria which had been taken over by the Babylonians and then the Persians. Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the king of Persia during the captivity of the Israelites. Because of their unfaithfulness and rebellion to the Lord, Israel was made slaves to these different kingdoms.
~1:1-3: Nehemiah is a living example of Colossians 3:12-13. Though he had every opportunity to forget about his fellow Israelites who were enslaved, he chose to be concerned with them and ask about their well-being. In being the king's cupbearer, Nehemiah was one of the most esteemed men in the kingdom and thus he is here demonstrating a "heart of compassion" with humility and kindness when he seeks to know the state of his fellow Israelites. Nehemiah was not so absorbed in his own affairs and life that he neglected his responsibility to the Lord and His people.
Q: In what ways are you living out Colossians 3:12-13 in your life? In what ways are you neglecting to live out Colossians 3:12-13?
~1:4: When Nehemiah heard about the spiritual and physical state of the Israelites, he was broken and began to weep and pray and fast. This is what it really looks like to live selflessly and "carry the burdens" of others (Colossians 3:12-13). The body of Christ ought to care so much for one another that we weep when others are in a dismal spiritual state and we rejoice when others are walking near to the Lord (1 Corinthians 12:26). The reason that Nehemiah asked was because he really cared.
Q: When was the last time that you checked on the spiritual wellbeing of a brother or sister in Christ?
~1:5-7: Nehemiah has a right view of God and of himself and the Israelites. In his prayer, he starts off with giving honor and praise to the Lord. He knows that the situation involving Israel's slavery due to disobedient and rebellious hearts is not something that he can change. Only the Lord can change rebellious hearts and turn them back to Him. Nehemiah knew this and sought God's mercy on the people. Nehemiah then goes on to confess his sins as well as the sins of the people. Just like the woman in Luke 7, Nehemiah knew God's love for him despite his failures and from that realization was able to love others with such a selfless love. He was humble and wanted change for himself and God's people.
Q: When was the last time that you pleaded with God to change the heart of someone you know? Do you often come to the Lord praising Him for His greatness while confessing your own shortcomings? How do your prayers differ from Nehemiah's? Why do you think that is?
~1:8-11: Nehemiah goes on to pray and "remind" God of His covenant with Israel. Nehemiah is quoting from Deuteronomy and the covenant God made with them. It was a covenant not based on the righteousness of Israel but on God's great mercy and grace (Deuteronomy 9). Israel would fail often but God's mercy would never fail. God's heart was always to have a relationship with His people and He would continue to pursue them so that they would come back to Him and enjoy Him. Nehemiah knew this and was appealing to God on behalf of God's character, asking Him to bring them back.
Q: What does it look like to live a life of thankfulness for God's grace? While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. He loved us while we were unlovable and rebellious. What should our lives look like in response to His great love?
Dear students,
We are so thankful to see you all growing in your love for the Lord and devotion to the body of Christ. We have been so encouraged to see how many of you are having consistent community with one another- this is the best way to put into practice the things that we learn through our study of the Word. We need continual fellowship with the body of Christ. We are encouraged to see that in you all. We are praying for you this week that you would meditate on God's great love for you and from that you would love others. We love you!
With hope,
~Sonny and Casi
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