The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1917-11-08
INTERNATIONAL
SUNDSYS0lOOL
LESSON
(By REV. p. b. FITZWATER, j.. D.,
Teacher of English Bible In the Moody
Bible Institute of Chicago.)
Copyright, 1917. Western Newspaper Union.)
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER II
LESSON TExT-Nehemiah /.


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 Northumberland. 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 detrimen-
tai to the peace and comfort of the
people, but 1t was a matter of severe
reproach to them ". -. Nehemiah
was man of strong character. Though
occupying position of high honor and
responsibility in the very center or
the great heather capitol. the desire nc
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 man
to thus stand, his life must be rooted
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.
|. Nehemiah Learns of the Attic
ton and ReproGch of the Returned
Remnant in Jerusalem (vv. la.
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 hin
Of the deplorable condition of Jeru-
salem and the remnant who had gone
there.
2. The occasion of wv. 2, -. 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 great affliction and reproach.
8. The effect upon Nehemiah ". ~.
He was greatly moved by the story OF
the distress of his brethren. Though
occupying position of honor, and en-
Toying all that heart could desire, he
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 I'M
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.
Nehersiah exhibited the spirit of true
patriotism. The afiliction and shame
of his own people went close to his
own heart. National and racial soil
darity constitutes the real basis of
patriotism. The reproach and Attic
ton of nation is the reproach and
affection of every member thereof.
II. Nehemiah's Prayer for Israel
(yv SID. We are taught that in the
midst of afliction, 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 ". ~. He tasted
and prayed for several days. When
men are willing to desist from food
anG turn aside from their occupations
to pray to God, they are Enthusiastically
in earnest. This is true fasting. Mere
" abstaining from food is not neces-
sarily fasting 1t is when our hearts
have entered into sympathy with God
and his people and the desire for food
is removed that there is fasting which
is worth while.
2. The ground of ". 81. He plead
covenant relationship and the faith
fulness of God In keeping his covenant.
It 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.
8. Unselfish (v. 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-center-
ed. They display the utter selfshness
of the one who offers them.
A. Penitent wv. 6, y. He acknowl-
edges that the state of Israel was due
TO disobedience to Gods command
1aents 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.
s. The prayer of faith wv. 8, 81.
Heahelieved 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
fse in Gods word, as we plead with
aim. Faith takes God at his word.
and holds him to 1t.
6. Definite wv. 10. ~.
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
part of wisdom on Nehemiah's part.