The Dermott news., 1917-11-08
INTERNATIONAL. SUNINXS0lO0L
 LESSON tBy REV. r E. FITZWATER, D. D.. Teacher of English Bible in the Moody Bible Institute of ChIeacoD tCopNrtEht, I9tT. Western NCwsna per Union
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER II
LESSON TEXT-NchemIah |

| tainiNaGdlDCntS, ana do these things that are pleasing in his sight"-I John S:22.
 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 fly. The walls and gates of the city had lain in ruins ever since they were broken down by Nebuehndnezzar. In thls condition the remnant of the Jews who had gone hack to Jerusalem were exposed to the dangers of as- sauts from the surrounding enemies. Not only was this exposure detrlmen- tal to the peace and comfort of the people. hut 1t 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 henthen capitol, the desire to honor God whs uppermost in his heart. He is m example to all young men, demonstrating to them that 1t Is pos Sible to be true to God regardless of the environment Tn which he may be compelled to live. In order for man to thus stand. his life must be rooted In Christ. and these reots-our fath- must be watered and kept alive through vital communion with God In prayer and study of His Holy Word.
 1. Nehemiah Learns of the Affe- tion and Reproach of the Returned Remnant in Jerusalem (vv. 1D.
 1. The time (v. II. It was In a winter month. November or December. l In the 20th 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 deplorahle condition of Jeru- salem and the remnant who had gone 1 there.
 9 The cccnsion of tvv. 9. 2). The visit of Nehcmiahs brother and certain men of Judah made II possible for him te inquire concerning the state of the remnant and the conditions of Jeru- salem. They informed him that they Were in great aIliction and reproach.
 T The effect upon Nehemiah (v. 41. He was greatly moved hy the story ot ] the distress of his brethren. Though occupying a position of honor and en- loving all that heart could desire. Inc Eeenly took the misfortune of his ! brethren to heart. He not only shed tears of sympathy hut took these bur denS in prayer to God. This Is tho i proper way to symputhlze with the un- i fortunate. II Is manly to weep with i those in distress. and To pray for l those who have need. Jesus wept over i Jerusalem and prayed for his own. i Nehemiah exhibited the spirit of true patriotism. The aflletion and shame ef his own people went close to hts 1 own heart National and racial soli- darity constitutes the real basis of i patriotism. The repreach and aiIllc- 1 ton of nation iS the reproach and anllction of every member thereof.
 H. Netemiah's Prayer for Israel ! tvv. 5-1D. We are taught that Tn the midst of RfIliction. We should pray l Nehemiah in thls early time practiced i thlS New Testament direction. A study of his prayer Is most helpful.
 l. IL WIS earnest (v. n. He fnsted and prayed for several days. When men are willing to desiSt from food and turn aside from their occupations ! te pray to God. they are unmlstakahly in earnest. This Is true fasting.
 Q The ground of fv. 5). He plead covenant relationship and the faith ! fulnesS of God In keeping his covenant T. Is n good thing always in our pray | Ing to plead thus with God. He Is | delighted when we come ns children pleading for the things we need on the basis of our relationship to him.
 2 UnSelfiSh W. @. He has as his supreme object the welfare of Israel. Ills personal interests were not af- fected. either for better or for worse, 1 by the condition of the Jews In Jcru- salem. Many prayers do not count with God because they are self-cen- tered.
 f Penltcnt (vv. c, D. He acknowl- edges that the state of Israel was due to dsobedience to Gods command mentS and their corrupt dealings with 1 God. So completely had he identified himself with his people that he includ- | cd himself with Israel as having sinned.
 6 The prayer of faith tvv. &. 9>. He believed the word which God had spoken to Moses touching his willing ness to restore and bless his people. though he wns obliged to severely judge them. In our praying, we should be able to point to some definite prom lse In Gods word, as We plead with him. Faith takes God at his word. ! and holds him to It.
 1 8 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 wny and grhnt him mercy in the sight of the king This was ! part Of wisdom on Nehemiah's part.