The Green Forest tribune., 1917-11-09

hemiah led company to Jerusalem to restore the city walls and civil author fty. The walls and gates of the city had lain in ruins ever since they were broker 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 detrimen- tai to the peace and comfort of the people. but it was matter of severe reproach to them (v. 3. Nehemiah was man of strong character. Though occupying position of high honor and responsibility in the very center of the great heathen capitol, the desire to honor God was uppermost in his heart. He is an example to all young men, demonstrating to them that it 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 to thus stand, his life must be rooted in Christ, and these roots-our faith must be watPred and kept alive
 
 prayer and study of His Holy Word.
 |. Nehemiah Learns of the Afflic- ton and Reproach of the Returned Remnant in Jerusalem (vv. 1-4).
 1. The time (v. D. It was in 8 winter month. November or December, in the 20th year of Artaxerxes. He was engaged in the performance of his accustomed duties as cup-bearer to tho king. when the news came to him of the deplorable condition of Jeru- salem and the remnant W1, had gone there.
 ?. The occasion of (vv. ?. B. 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.
 3. The effect upon Nehemiah (v. 4. 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 dPns in prayer to God. This Is the proper way to sympathiZe with the un- fortunate. It 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 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 afflic- lion of a nation is the reproach and affiiction of every member thereof.
 II. Nehemiah's Prayer for Israel fvv. SID. We are taught that in the midst of affliction we should pray. Nehemiah in this early time practiced fhis New Testament direction. A study of his prayer is most helpful.
 1. It was earnest (v. 2. He lasted 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 unmistakably In earnest. This Is true fastfng Mere ly abstaining from food is not nPces- sarily fasting. It 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 (v. 5. He plead covenant relationship and the faith fitness of God in keeping his covenant. It is a good thing always in our pray ing to plead tFus with God. He is dclighted when we come as children pleading for the things we need on the basis of our relationship to him.
 3. UnSelhsh (v 0. He has as hls 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.
 4 Penitent tvv. 6, D. He acknowl- 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.
 5. The prayer of faith (yv. 8, 9). 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 ise in Gods word, as we plead with him. Faith takes God at his word, and holds him to it.
 6. Definite (vv. 10, ID.
 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 a part of wisdom on Nehemiah's part. Before going before men for considera- ton of important interests, we should ask God to prepare their hearts, so that they will listen sympathetically to our plea. This we should do in all things, and we can do it. when our own hearts are right, and we see the good of oth- CTS and not that of ourselves. His prayer was answered. The king granted his request as we shall see in Chapter 2.