Friday December 27
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Privilege of Prayer”, pp. 93–104, in Steps to Christ.
“The work of restoration and reform carried on by the returned exiles, under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, presents a picture of a work of spiritual restoration that is to be wrought in the closing days of this earth’s history. The remnant of Israel were a feeble people, exposed to the ravages of their enemies; but through them God purposed to preserve in the earth a knowledge of Himself and of His law. They were the guardians of the true worship, the keepers of the holy oracles. Varied were the experiences that came to them as they rebuilt the temple and the wall of Jerusalem; strong was the opposition that they had to meet. Heavy were the burdens borne by the leaders in this work; but these men moved forward in unwavering confidence, in humility of spirit, and in firm reliance upon God, believing that He would cause His truth to triumph. Like King Hezekiah, Nehemiah ‘clave to the Lord, and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments. … And the Lord was with him’. 2 Kings 18:6, 7” - Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 677.
Amen! And we shall soon see the same in our day!
Discussion Questions:
Why must we do all that we can before God to be supportive of our leaders?
We ought not be supportive of the false shepherds, but of the faithful. We need to pray for those like Saul who are not only unfaithful, but a murderer. Many did not support him, but did indeed pray for him just as did Stephen as he was being stoned. So ought we. Rebellion is often not cured, but that does not stop us from praying for those in rebellion. We are to stand with the faithful. We are to know what is being taught in the church, and support the true followers of Christ. Did Nehemiah support the false leaders? Then we ought not either.
Why is the servant leadership style so difficult, demanding, and at the same time rewarding? Why is it so important for a Christian leader to be a servant, as well?
In the beginning and at the end of the book, as well as in between, Nehemiah was praying. Both Ezra and Nehemiah were men of prayer. Count carefully how many times the word “prayer” or “prayed” is mentioned in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. These leaders were constantly praying. What should that say to us about our own prayer lives?
“For he clave to the LORD, [and] departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses” (2 Kings 18:6). How does one “hold fast to the LORD”? What does that mean? How does holding fast to the Lord relate to keeping His commandments?
As we close this quarter's lessons, let us answer this question so that all may understand our part in our own salvation. When Peter was walking on water, where was the power? How did Peter have that power? How did Peter lose that power which led to his almost dying? When the Bible said that Moses was faithful in all of the house of the Lord, what does that mean? And, why was it that he was faithful? How could he be so good at doing what God said? And, then explain how at the end of 120 years, how is it that he was unfaithful? After so many years of being faithful, how could Moses act out pride and anger towards a people who before He had to God to blot his name out of the Book of Life, but not to destroy His people? What happened to Moses that he could sin such a great sin?
Moses lost hold on God. What does that mean. How did Peter lose hold on Christ? When we arise in the morning, what ought to be our first act? Why? Why did Daniel stop in the middle of the day and pray in his open window? Why do we have our morning personal devotions, then have family worship morning and evening? Why do we spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Christ? What happens when we forget God? Or do you never forget God?
Why does saving faith come from hearing and hearing from the Word of God? What do we find in the Word that causes us to have a faith that clings to Christ? Why did Jesus tell His disciples that they needed to drink His blood and eath His flesh? Why did He compare Himself to Manna? Why did He say that we need to live according to every Word that commeth out of the mouth of God. Do we understand that God wants us to reflect His character? How can we do this?
In closing, learn the secret that many refuse to heed because they do not know it or just plain refuse to take time to do it. God wants to give us a new heart that will keep His commandments. How do we get it? 2 Corinthians 3:18 tell us. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord." It is an intellectual and a spiritual truth that by beholding we become changed. The mind is like plastic. What ever it beholds, it will adapt to. If we spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Christ, we shall be transformed in character (His image). It is now left with us to decide who we want to copy, Satan or Christ. There is no in between.
Choose this day whom you will serve. Serve Christ and He will give you love, joy, and peace that passeth all understanding even when you are in the midst of the storm!
Thank you for studying with us. It has been a good study to look at the work of Ezra and Nehemiah. Let us learn the lesson well. The Holy Spirit is circling the Earth in search of such leaders in this our day. The work of restoration and reform has begun in God's church today.