Mexico Missouri message., 1917-11-08
INTERNATIONAL.
SUNDGYSOOOL
LESSON
CBy REV. p. B. FITZWATER, d, D.,
Teacher Of English Bible in the Moody
Bible Institute OF Chicago)
Copyright. 1917. Western Newspaper Jnion.)
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER II

= Some twelve or fourteen years after
the revival Of the worship of Jehovah
under the administration Of Ezra, Ne
hemiah led company to Jerusalem to
restore the city walls and civil author
ity. The walls and gates Of the city
had lain in ruins ever since they were
broken down by Nebuchadnezzar. In
this condition the remnant of the
Jews who had gone back to Jerusalem
were exposed to the dangers of as
saults from the surrounding enemies.
Not only was this exposure detrlmen-
tai TO the peace and comfort Of the
people, but 1t was a matter of severe
reproach to them ". 81. Nehemiah
was man Of strong character. Though
occupying position of high honor and
responsibility in the very center of
the great heather capitol, the desire to
honor God was uppermost in his heart.
He Is an example to all young men,
demonstrating to them that 1t is pos
sible to be true to God regardless of
the environment In which he may be
compelled to live. In order for a man
In Christ, and these roots-our faith
must be watered and kept alive
through vital communion with God In
prayer and study of His Holy Word.
I. Nehemiah Learns of the AffIie.
tlon and Reproaeh Of the Returned
Remnant In Jerusalem wv. 1-4).
1. The time ". u. 1t was in a
winter month, November or December,
In the Goth year of Artaxerxes. He
was engaged in the performance of his
accustomed duties as cup-bearer to
the king, when the news came to him
of the deplorable condition of Jeru-
salem and the remnant who had gone
there.
2. The occasion Of wv. 2, 81. The
visit of Nehemiah's brother and certain
men Of Judah made it possible for him
to inquire concerning the state Of the
remnant and the conditions Of Jeru.
salem. They Informed him that they
were in gredt affliction and reproach.
3. The effect upon Nehemiah ". ~.
He was greatly moved by the story OF
the distress of his brethren. Though
occupying a position Of honor, and ems
joying all that heart could desire, ha
keenly took the misfortune of his
brethren to heart. He not only shed
tears of sympathy, but took these bur-
dens in prayer to God. This Is the
proper way to sympathiZe with the un-
fortunate. 1t is manly to weep with
those in distress, and to pray for
those who have need. Jesus wept over
Jerusalem and prayed for his own.
Nehemiah exhibited the spirit of true
patriotism. The affliction and shame
of his own people went close to his
own heart. National and racial soli-
darity constitutes the real basis of
patriotism. The reproach and afflic-
tion of nation is the reproach and
affiiction of every member thereof.
~. Nehemiah's Prayer for Israel
wv. 5-11). We are taught that in the
midst of affiiction, we should pray.
Nehemiah in this early time practiced
this New Testament direction. A
study of his prayer is most helpful.
1. 1t was earnest ". AZ. He tasted
and prayed for several days. When
men are willing to desist from food
and turn aside from their occupations
to pray to God, they are Enthusiastically
in earnest. This is true fasting.
2. The ground of ". 81. He plead
covenant relationship and the faith
fulness Of God in keeping his covenant.
1t is q good thing always in our pray
ing to plead thus with God. He is
delighted when we come as children
pleading for the things we need on
the basis of our relationship to him.
3. Unselfish ". g.. He has as his
supreme object the welfare Of Israel.
His personal interests were not af-
fected, either for better or for worse,
by the condition of the Jews in Jeru-
salem. Many prayers do not count
with God because they are self-cen'
tered.
A. Penitent wv. 9, y. He aeknowl-
edges that the state of Israel was due
to disobedience to Gods command
ments and their corrupt dealings with
God. So completely had he identified
himself with his people that he includ-
ed himself with Israel as having
sinned.
3. The prayer of faith (vv. 8, 81.
He believed the word which God had
spoken to Moses touching his willing
ness to restore and bless his people,
though he was obliged to severely
judge them. In our praying, we should
be able to point to some definite prom
Use in Gods word, as we plead with
him. Faith takes God at his word,
and holds him to 1t.
6. Definite wv. 10, 1D.
a. He pointed to the specific people,
as those redeemed by Gods powerful
hand.
b. He asked that God would pros
per his way and grant him mercy In
the sight Of the king. This was q
part Of wisdom on Nehemiah's part.
Before going before men for cOnsidera-
ton Of important interests, we should
| ask God to preDare their hearts SO that