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| image from mentalhealthnews.org |
Nehemiah 1:1-11
Nehemiah receives word that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the
gates destroyed by fire. The people he loves- his fellow Israelites with whom
he and his family go way back- are in great trouble and shame. (SRT)
The people of Israel are
God's chosen people and the city of Jerusalem is the chosen city. To know that
the walls and gates of the city had been destroyed was an embarrassment to the
Jewish people and contrary to everything that God had promised. This once great
and powerful nation had been weakened and exiled.
Nehemiah is heart broken.
He weeps and mourns for days upon hearing this news. He fasted, prayed,
confessed on their behalf. Nehemiah confesses the sins of the Israelites as
well as his own. He reminds God of his promise to redeem the Israelites if they
are faithful and turn their hearts back towards Him.
Nehemiah responds with a
compassionate heart towards his people. Even though he is about 1000 miles
away, his heart breaks for the people he loves. Let’s follow Nehemiah’s example
and pray for lost and hurting souls.
Lord, rend our hearts for the hurting today. Let us not allow our own comforts
or safe distance from pain prevent us from seeing and loving others as you see
and love them. Move us. Break us. And build us back up for your glory. (SRT)
Yours Truly~Freedom
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