Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1917-11-08
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER II

LESSON TExT-Nehemiah l.
GOLDEN TExT-..whatsoeverw we ask.
commandments. and do these things that
are pleasing in his sight, John 3;22
Some twelve or fourteen years after
the revival of the worship Of Jehovah
under the administration of Ezra, Ne
hemiah led q 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 detrimen-
tai to the peace and comfort OF the
people, but it was a matter of severe
reproach to them ". 81. Nehemiah
was a 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 it 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.
I. Nehemiah Learns of the Attic
ton and Reproach of the Returned
Remnant in Jerusalem wv. Id.
1. The time ". ~. 1t was in
winter month, November or December,
| in the Goth year of Artaxerxes. He
was engaged in the performance of MS
| 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.
9. 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 great affection and reproach.
8. The effect upon Nehemiah ". ~.
He was greatly moved by the story OF
the distress of his brethren. Thougn
occupying position of honor, and en-
Toying all that heart could desire, ne
keenly took the misfortune OF his
brethren to heart. He not only shed
| tears OF sympathy, Dut tOOn eAA~'S 49,
| 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 Tor
those who have need. Jesus wept over
Jerusalem and prayed for his own.
Nehemiah exhibited the spirit OF true
patriotism. The affection and shame
of his own people went close to ms
own heart National and racial SOIL
: darity constitutes the real basis OF
: patriotism. The reproach and aff1ic
ton of a nation is the reproach ano
affection of every member thereof.
Nehemiah's Prayer for Israe
wv. SID. We are taught that in th'
: midst of affection, we should pray
Nehemiah in this early time practicet
= this New Testament direction.
= study of his prayer is most helpful.
:. 1. 1t was earnest ". ~. He fastet
and prayed for several days. Nhel
men are willing to desist from FOO
% and turn aside from their occupation
to pray to God, they are unmistakabi
in earnest. This is true fasting.
J, 2. The ground of ". 81. He plea
covenant relationship and-the faith
- fitness of God in keeping his covenant
- 1t is a good thing always in our pray
:, ing to plead thus with God. He
delighted when we come as childre
pleading for the things we need O
= the basis of our relationship to him.
8. Unselfish ". 81. He has as hi
=. supreme object the welfare of Israe
= His personal interests were not a
fected, either for better or for wors
- by the condition of the Jews in Jer'
: salem, Many prayers do not cour
= with God because they are self-cel
20 tered.
4. Penitent- wv. 6, y. He acknow
edges that the state of Israel was DIT
VI to dfsobedfence to Gods comman'
"A ments and their corrupt dealings wit
God. So completely had he identifie
himself with his people that he inclu
ed himself with Israel as hayir
sinned.
Nh 5. The prayer of faith wv. 8.
He believed the word which God M
81. spoken to Moses touching his willin
- ness to restore and bless his peopl
though he was obliged to severe
IT, Judge them. In our praying, we shou
-. be able to point to some definite PROF
A. Use in Gods word, as we plead wi
- him. Faith takes God at his wof
- and holds him to it.
6. Definite {vv. 10, 11).
"A a. He pointed to the specific peop
~ as those redeemed by Gods powerf
ri hand
b. He asked that God would prt
ner his way and grant him mercy