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The “Never Lost” World

In Luke 19 we find a well-known story about a man named Zacchaeus. One day, as Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, he came through Jericho and Zacchaeus wanted to see him. But he was too short! To remedy the situation, he climbed up in a tree—and Jesus noticed him! Not only that, Jesus invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house! Jesus goes and dines with a “sinner.” This was scandalous to the crowd. People wonder what he is doing! Do you remember what Jesus tells them?

And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:9-10, ESV)

Verses 10 captures Luke’s purpose for writing his Gospel: Salvation for those who are lost. It’s major theme in the Gospel. In fact, in Luke 15, another famous chapter, Jesus tells three stories centering on something that was lost: a coin, a sheep, and a son. In each story—people go to great lengths to find what was lost.

With that in mind, it is worth asking ourselves a question: Have you ever felt lost? This experience can take several forms. First, you could be physically lost. Maybe you are in a new location or you were driving and not paying attention. Second, you could feel emotionally lost. Someone hurt you. You don’t know your purpose. You were fired, your romance ended, or your favorite sports team did not make the playoffs! You feel like you are wandering in the wilderness without a guide. Either feeling is unsettling and they uncover a near universal human truth: we don’t like being or feeling lost. We go to great lengths to avoid it. We seek to live a NEVER LOST life. Nobody likes to admit they are lost—because then we don’t know what we are doing.

Are We Lost?

But are we really never lost? Technology has desensitized to the experience of lost-ness. It also taps into a core desire: We long to be found. We long to be known and loved. We were made to worship. The question is by what or by whom? What Luke shows us is that tell Jesus is seeking us, he is pursuing us, he leaves the 99 sheep just to find the one. But he is also going to show us that many of us don’t think we are lost. The elder brother in the prodigal son didn’t think he was lost. We miss our lost ness because run to other saviors. The mask our lost-ness. When you don’t know you are lost you don’t know you need to be found. You stop looking for help.

Luke’s Gospel is filled with people who don’t want to recognize they are lost. In Luke 18, we read the story of the Rich Young Ruler. He comes to Jesus with a question, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? (Luke 18:18, ESV)” This is the question all of us are asking and answering at some level. What does Jesus tell him? Give up the thing that is most precious to you; surrender the thing that has controlling position in your heart—the thing you worship instead of me. For the Rich Young Ruler it was money. What is it for you? What is masking your lostness.

This is a central message of Luke’s gospel: Jesus Christ came to save lost people who do not feel lost; who don’t want to admit they are lost. Like the Elder Brother, Like the Rich Young Ruler. We are all asking and answering the question: How do I inherit eternal life? Jesus says—it is me! I have come to save people who are pretending they are found.

 Know The Narrative

Luke’s Gospel is a theological narrative. Darrell Bock is almost a world-renowned scholar on Luke and Acts. He notes, “[Luke’s Gospel] teaches theology while recounting the events surrounding [Jesus’] life.” It has a different flavor than Matthew, Mark, or John—all of which read like biographies. In fact, Luke, the author, is one of the only Gospel writers who was not an eyewitness to Jesus life. Instead, he is a historian who undertakes a major writing project for a wealthy patron, a man named Theophilus. Luke’s Gospel begins this way:

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, (Luke 1:1, ESV)

This verse, right at the beginning, tells you exactly what Luke is doing: he is telling a story of what happened with Jesus. As you read the Gospel, it will become clear that Luke has a goal: he wants you to believe in Jesus so that you may be saved from your sins; he wants you to know with certainty that Jesus is God.

Structurally, Luke has some natural breaking points, which our series will follow as well. (1) Advent: Luke 1-2 are about Christmas and the surrounding events. Those chapters will serve as the backdrop for the December section of our series. (2) Jesus Public Ministry: Luke 3-9 sees Jesus beginning his public ministry, which a heavy focus on his miracles. Essentially Jesus goes public and catches people’s interest with his teaching and ministry. (3) In Luke 9:51, there is a major turn. We read the Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem.” Jesus goes ON THE ROAD. The next 10 chapters … a major portion of Luke’s Gospel, is Jesus walking with his disciples to Jerusalem. This section is very parable heavy—Jesus tells stories and teaches his disciples as he walks to accomplish his mission. (4) Luke 19:45-24:53 Jesus arrives at Jerusalem for the final week, the crucifixion and the resurrection appearances. We are going to break up out series into these chunks so it will feel like we are moving with Luke through his narrative. And if you want to be found, he have to know the narrative in its entirety.

Examine The Eyewitnesses

Luke begins his Gospel by telling us he is compiling a narrative—he is telling a story. But he acknowledges, he is not the first one to have attempted this feat. We read this in Luke 1:2,

Just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, (Luke 1:2, ESV)

It was common for historians to acknowledge those who had written before them. However, his use of the word, “eyewitnesses,” was important. Hellenistic, or Greek, historians required eyewitnesses when recording history—it proved its veracity.

As you read the rest of Luke’s Gospel, you will see an account of these eyewitnesses and several themes emerge from those encounters:

First, the POWER of the Holy Spirit is evident. In fact, the evidence of the Spirit’s work gets a prominent place in Luke, which sets him apart from the other Gospel writers. Mark mentioned the Holy Spirit 6 times. Matthew 12 times. Luke references the Spirit 17 times—and then 70 times in Acts! Luke focused on the Holy Spirit. As Jesus enters the wilderness to be tempted, we read this in Luke 4:1,

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. (Luke 4:1-2, ESV)

The Spirit’s work is evident. We see the Spirit prominent at the birth of John and Jesus in Luke 1. The Spirit descends on Jesus at his baptism in Luke 4. If you fast-forward to Acts, the Spirit is unleashed at Pentecost. Luke discovered the supernatural work of the Spirit in his investigations.

Second, Luke discovered the importance of PRAYER. Throughout Luke, there are parables about prayer. Luke records the Lord’s Prayer during the Sermon on the Plain. Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane before his Crucifixion. Jesus is constantly telling his disciples, the eyewitnesses, TO PRAY! Prayer will be an important theme in Luke.

Third, people SING. Singing is a major part of Luke—especially in the first two chapters of the Gospel. In chapter 1-2, the action keeps being interrupted by song. Mary sings. The angels sing. Luke uses the word, “REJOICE,” more than any other author of Scripture. These eyewitnesses, who saw the Messiah, taught us to SING in response to God’s grace. When you know the narrative, when you examine the eyewitnesses—you discover the story is true and all you can do is sing in response!

Surrender To Certainty

We live in a world full of uncertainty. The stock market is up and down. Elections are more contentious than ever. Social media has caused a rift in friendships. Even medicine has taken a hit. It all exposes the reality that one day, if we have not already, one day we will suffer. Moreover, when suffering comes—where will you run? What savior will you turn to? So many of us run to idols, dead saviors who can’t help us. Luke tells us—turn to the only living Savior there is—Jesus Christ. How do I inherit eternal life? When you read Luke’s Gospel you know the narrative, you can examine the eyewitnesses. But, finally, the reason is to surrender to certainty. He concludes the opening this way:

[…] it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:3-4, ESV)

Why did Luke write his Gospel? So you may have certainty of the things you have been taught. Some think that Theophilus was a nephew to the emperor Vespasian—no friend to the Christian church. If it became known that he was a Christian—he would suffer severe consequences. Loss of finances and relationships—maybe even his life. Remember, Luke was written, likely, during the period that Nero was persecuting Christians. In addition, he is watching the Jews attack the Christians, especially the Gentiles, and he is wondering … is this worth it? Is it worth my life and reputation? Is it worth jail time? Is it worth losing my fortune and status? Is it true?

And in that context, he commissions Luke, to investigate, to research whether it is true. Luke writes him not one, but two volumes with a resounding—YES! However, if Luke is so clear, if his evidence is so compelling, why do we still doubt? Why do we still resist? Gary Habermas wrote a wonderful little book entitled, “Dealing With Doubt.” He highlights three categories of doubt:

Emotional Doubt: We might have an emotional connection to a problem. In this category, our suffering comes to the forefront. You might have trouble believing in God or the Gospel because, you think, he let my loved one die. He allowed me to lose my job. That romance never materialized. You don’t think God cares … so you resist.

Intellectual Doubt: Others are asking very good intellectual questions. These are important—its good to ask questions so we can find answers. However, for some, there might be some questions we can’t get over. We must look under every rock. While I believe that there are good answers, and Luke provides some, for faith in Christ—I’ve also noticed some people keep coming back to the same questions over and over again.

Volitional Doubt: If that is the case, I wonder if we are getting into a third category of volitional doubt. Because sometimes, even when we find all the answers … we still resist. And we resist because we don’t want to surrender to Jesus. We want to be king of our own lives. We are willfully resisting, not because we have an emotional or intellectual hang up, but because we just don’t want to give in.

What Are You Holding On To?

What are you holding onto that you will not give to Jesus? In Luke 9:51, there is a shift in the Gospel. Jesus sets his face to Jerusalem; he knows it will be his last journey. He knows he is going to the cross to this death. Just before they begin the journey, he starts talking about the cost of following him. Jesus draws a line in the sand:

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? (Luke 9:23-25,ESV)

For first century Christians—death for Christ was real possibility. When they read Luke’s Gospel account this verse would have feel like a hard punch to the gut. While we, as 21^st Century American Christians are not experiencing this level of persecution—yet—we are feeling more on the margins. This verse has more weight than it did even 10 years ago. Now, more than in recent memory, Jesus is asking us: what are you holding onto? You will surrender to something. Do you think money will save you? Do you think love and romance will save you? Do you think power and education and prestige will save you? What will it profit you if you gain the WHOLE WORLD but lose yourself in the process?

The reason Luke wrote his Gospel was so that you can know—for certain—that Jesus Christ is the Savior. He wrote it so you can know you are a sinner. He wrote it so you can surrender to the true King—Jesus. The one who came to save the world.

He came so you don’t have to be lost anymore.

 

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah, jewels from the Old Testament post-exilic period, resonate with the theme of restoration, offering profound insights into resilience, unity, and fruitful multiplication. Through the narrative of rebuilding Jerusalem and restoring the people of Israel, these books provide timeless lessons on how to be like trees: firmly planted, growing together, and made to multiply.

1. Firmly Planted – Rooted in Faith: In the story of Ezra-Nehemiah, the figure of Zerubbabel emerges as a poignant example of being firmly planted. His name, meaning “planted in Babylon,” reflects the challenges of being rooted in a foreign land. However, Zerubbabel learned to bloom where he was planted, displaying resilience and unwavering faith. In a similar vein, Ezra-Nehemiah teaches us the importance of deep roots in faith, especially when faced with adversity. The reference to Nehemiah 8:1 highlights a crucial moment when Ezra reads from the book, emphasizing the role of scripture in anchoring one’s faith. We too can draw inspiration to thrive in our unique circumstances, firmly planted in our convictions.
2. Growing Together – Unity in Diversity: The second lesson unfolds in Nehemiah 3, showcasing the diverse elements of society coming together for a common purpose—the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. People from various backgrounds, skills, and professions unite, illustrating the power of collaboration. This section underscores the importance of growing together, mirroring the cooperative strength found in a thriving forest. Just as different trees coexist in harmony, Ezra-Nehemiah encourages us to appreciate and embrace diversity. The unity of purpose among the people of Jerusalem exemplifies the strength that emerges when a community grows together, working towards a shared goal.
3. Made to Multiply – Fruits of Purposeful Living: The joyous scene depicted in Nehemiah 12, where the joy of Jerusalem is heard from far away, symbolizes the fruition of purposeful living. The restoration of Jerusalem was not merely about physical rebuilding but also a spiritual revival. Nehemiah 12 captures the exuberance of a community fulfilling its purpose. This section reinforces the idea that, like trees bearing fruit, we are designed to multiply our positive impact. The challenge from Nehemiah 12:31, “Remember me,” echoes through the ages, compelling us to consider how we will be remembered. By living purposefully, making a positive impact, and leaving a lasting legacy, we fulfill our inherent potential for multiplication.

In the rich narrative of Ezra-Nehemiah, themes of restoration, being firmly planted, growing together, and made to multiply weave together a tapestry of timeless wisdom. These books also point us forward, disappointing us, yet steering us toward the one who would come to do the greatest work of restoration, our Lord Jesus Christ. He is building the New Jerusalem, the city of God. Our ultimate hope is in Him.

As we reflect on the lessons from these books, may we find inspiration to deepen our roots in faith, foster unity in diversity, and multiply our positive impact in the world. The final challenge from Nehemiah 12:31, “Remember me,” echoes, prompting us to contemplate our own legacy and how we will be remembered. Just as the joy of Jerusalem echoed from afar, may our lives, firmly rooted in these principles, resonate through time as a source of strength, growth, and multiplication for generations to come.

Ezra-Nehemiah are also books about God’s calling and God’s vision, where is God calling you? What breaks your heart? To learn more about our vision for MBC, please check out our Vision 2024 webpage here.

Year-End Giving for 2024

Hulk … SMASH!

Let me offer an image that captures the essence of Nehemiah 13: The Incredible Hulk! Hulk first appeared in a Marvel Comic in the year 1962. Hulk has an alter ego, Bruce Banner, who was famously exposed to Gamma Radiation, giving him super strength. However, there was a catch—to achieve the super strength he turns into a giant, green rage monster—HULK! Do you know what must happen for Bruce Banner to turn into the Hulk? He has to get angry! Whenever something bad happens, Bruce Banner offers a warning …

“Don’t make me angry … you won’t like me when I am angry!”

When Hulk get angry, what happens next? Hulk … SMASH!!!!! Hulk’s anger is temperamental: sometimes he hits the bad guys, other times he causes unnecessary destruction. In chapter 13, Nehemiah gets angry. He gives us a Hulk smash in 13:25 where we read this:

“And I confronted them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair (Nehemiah 13:25, ESV).”

Is that a Nehemiah smash? What in the world is going on? What made him do this?

What Makes You Angry?

I suspect most of us associate anger with negative emotions. You may think people should never become angry. I want to challenge you: anger is both good and bad. When the Hulk gets angry—sometimes he does something righteous—like save the planet! Other times—he hurts people. The solution is not to avoid anger but to evaluate and channel it properly. The first step is to ask: what makes me angry? 

There are two groups of people reading this post today. First, some of us get angry way too often. Yes, some of us get angry way to often—and at the wrong things. When we do, we cause damage to relationships. Second, some of us get angry way too little. If that is you, you might be thinking, “Why would I get angry? Anger is bad!!!” Again, I want to challenge you. Anger reveals something about our heart–We get angry for the things we care about! If we never get angry—we might start wondering if we care about anything.

In Nehemiah 13, we find four areas that makes us angry.

Deceptive FRIENDS

First, our friends sometimes they make us angry—especially if they are being deceptive. The people we keep closest influence our thinking. Sometimes, if we are not careful, they can lead us away from God. Be careful the company you keep! The last part of chapter 12 and the first part of chapter 13 are all about orderly worship in the temple and separating out people who did not worship God. There is a heavy emphasis on God’s glory. Anything, or anyone, who keeps us from worshipping God should be exposed, even if we are friendly with them. In v. 4-5 we meet two characters who cause us to evaluate friendship:

“Now before this, Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the chambers of the house of our God, and who was related to Tobiah, prepared for Tobiah a large chamber […]” (Nehemiah 13:4-5a, ESV).

Okay, so we learn that Eliashib is a priest, a leader with some authority, but who is Tobiah? Tobiah was an Ammonite—he was not a believer in YHWH God of Israel. In 13:1-3, God just said that Ammonites were not allowed in the Temple. He was also an enemy of Nehemiah. The point: he should not be in the temple!

Where is Nehemiah? In verse 6 we learn that Nehemiah has returned to Persia, to King Artaxerxes to provide a report. He is gone. While he is gone the people of Israel have let their guard down. They have allowed the enemy to enter the temple and, presumably, influence God’s people. This is a big deal!

Is Tobiah in your temple? This is the danger we all face. Our enemy never sleeps. He is always looking for weaknesses in our defenses, trying to get into the sacred places of our heart. Our enemy will try to ingratiate himself to us. He wants us to think he is not a threat. Before we know it, he is in the temple, subtlety leading us away from Jesus. We all have to watch out for TOBIAH!

Have you allowed something deceptive and destructive to become friendly with you heart? The sins of the flesh are very enticing but they make promises they can’t keep. LUST—it promises you love and fulfillment, but it will leave you empty and depressed. GOSSIP—it makes you feel important because you have secret knowledge; knowledge that you leverage against people. However, before long, you will lose relationships and be alone. ENVY—it tells your heart that you deserve that thing you want and it is okay to do anything to get it. ANYTHING! These sins appeal to our flesh—the deceive us! They pretend to be our friends, they woo us to the point where we open the door, let them behind the wall and then, once they linger long enough, we allow them to set up residence in our heart. Before you know it … TOBIAH IS IN THE TEMPLE!

Now, here is the crazy thing, these deceptive friends make us angry because of their false promises but many of us keep them around because they are familiar. Sins like lust, gossip and envy—they all make us feel good in the moment—they blind us to destruction. What we need to do is take a step back, see the destruction, and get angry enough at that sin to THROW TOBIAH OUT OF THE TEMPLE!

Mishandled FINANCES

Second, finances touch every part of our lives, which is why they make us angry! We get stressed and angry when we don’t have enough money and we get angry when people misuse money. In Nehemiah 10:30-32, there was a covenant promise that focused on money. What did the people of God say?

“We also take on ourselves the obligation to give yearly […] for the service of the house of our God […] (Nehemiah 10:30-32, ESV).”

This covenant promise revolved around tithing. A tithe was a financial gift offered regularly to support the work and upkeep of the Temple. In the Old Testament, these offerings could add up to 23% of your income. The NT uses the language of sacrificial giving to support the work of ministry. The reality is that building God’s kingdom now requires financial resources.

Giving is an important part of our spiritual life—but most people don’t like to talk about money. Why is that? Because money—and where we spend it—reveals the deep desires of our hearts. How we spend and use money reveals what we care about, where we find security and, ultimately, what we love. Don’t believe me? At the end of the month, when you look at your bank account and tally your spending, ask yourself: what does this reveal about my heart?

Here is something I learned: giving to the work of God reveals how much trust God. Do you believe that God will take care of you if you only have 90% of your income? In reality, God does not need our money—he’s God! He wants to use us for His glory.

If you come back to Nehemiah 13:10, it is revealed that the people of God are not giving as they promised! The finances are being mishandled. Now the Temple is in disrepair. Consider this: Ezra and Nehemiah led the people back from exile to rebuild the Temple and the City—but they need maintenance. Nehemiah confronts the people and then appoints reliable treasurers to correct the problem.

 Avoidable FATIGUE

The third compromise for Israel revolves around the Sabbath. It has become very secular. Nehemiah sees this problem in 13:15:

“In those days I saw in Judah people treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in heaps of grain and loading them on donkeys, and also wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day (Nehemiah 13:15, ESV).”

What is the purpose of the Sabbath? Just like tithing is intended to show our dependence on God, Sabbath rest allows us to trust that God will help us accomplish everything we need in six days rather than seven. Additionally, from a NT perspective, Jesus himself tells us that he is the “Lord of the Sabbath.” We can find our rest in him and stop performing in order to get acceptance. The people of Israel made a covenant promise to keep the Sabbath—and they neglected it. They didn’t trust God. When we choose to place our faith in another functional savior other than Jesus—we are not trusting him with our lives.

The people of God are neglecting the Sabbath and it is causing problems. Nehemiah confronts them:

“Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? […] Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.” (Nehemiah 13:17-18, ESV)

Is Nehemiah crazy or is he making a point? Why is he so angry? Nehemiah is angry because Israel’s neglect is ruining his life’s work. Nehemiah, and Ezra like him, gave their entire lives to bring the people back and restore the Temple and City. The people entered a covenant with their God! And now … through their actions … it could all be lost! Have you ever had that happened to you? Let me give you an illustration. Imagine you worked hard and sacrificed to save up $200,000.00 for college. Is that even enough today? It was really hard but you did it. Then you child goes to college and all they do is party and flunk out after the first year. Would that make you upset?

Nehemiah is angry because his people are squandering all the effort they have put in. They might experience God’s judgment and wind up right where they were when they started! This needs to STOP! They need to rest in in their God.

Fighting With Our FAMILY

The final problem revolves around family issues. At the end of chapter 13, the issue Nehemiah confronts revolves around passing on the faith to the next generation. His heart is burdened for this and it may be the thing that makes him the angriest of all. We read this is vv. 23:

“In those days also I saw the Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab (Nehemiah 13:23, ESV).”

Nehemiah is pointing out the problem of, what I will call, spiritual intermarriage. Essentially, the Jewish people, the people of God, were marrying foreign people who had not converted to worship YHWH God. This was a huge deal because false worship was entering their homes. This is where the family is formed.

Let me illustrate why this is such a problem. Many readers are married. Or you were married. Or you will  be married someday. Let me just tell you—marriage changes you. The two become one flesh. Your spouse influences your thinking, the things you care about, and the decisions you make. By God’s grace, you raise children together. My point: you are not the same person you were before you got married.

Now, if you marry someone who is not a Christian—or even someone who is a Christian but is not walking with Jesus at the same pace as you—there will be friction. Do you know why? There will be a pull to please your spouse over God. Paul writes about this in 1 Corinthians 7 and 2 Corinthians 5. It will impact your spiritual life and how you raise your kids.

So … when Nehemiah says that the Jews are marrying the Ashdodites, the Ammonites, and the Moabites … he angry because this will seriously compromise the passing on of the faith! Look at v. 24:

“And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and they could not speak the language of Judah, but only the language of each people (Nehemiah 13:24, ESV).”

I want you to focus on that word, LANGUAGE. That is crucially important. We are told that the kids spoke a differently language—a language not of the people of God. Not remember at this time, the faith was still passed along orally. Hebrew was the language of the Scriptures. So, if the children did not speak Hebrew they would never hear the story of the Bible. Put another way, their faith would be lost or never materialize.

That is why this was a big deal. The children would miss the message of the Scriptures. The heart of the family would be torn apart because their hearts would not be submitted to the same God.

The Righteous Anger of God

Imagine if your children never heard about Jesus. Would that make you angry? We all need the Gospel. Each and every day, like Israel, we sin. We love other gods and we worship them. We don’t give God the GLORY he deserves! That sin makes God angry. Here is the good news: God, in his righteous anger against sin, decided to do something about it. Before the foundation of world, Paul tells us, God knew this would happen. God knew his wrath against sin needed to be satisfied and he took action. He was so angry and he loved us so much that he chose to spill is blood on a criminal’s cross. Isaiah 50 tells us Messiah’s beard was ripped out on our behalf. Why did Jesus Christ go to the cross? Because he was angry at our sin but he loved us so much that he would take our place and absorb the wrath of God on our behalf. His precious blood was spilt to cleanse the temple of our heart—so he could get the glory!

Did you hear that? Jesus died for you! His blood ran down his face for you! His beard was ripped out—FOR YOU! He did this so we could be cleansed from the inside out for the glory of God. God kept the covenant even when we did not. My prayer today is that you would give your whole life to this God who loves you so much! When we place our faith in Jesus He gives us the power we need to live a holy life as we repent of our sin daily.

 

The Necessity of Prayer

Today I’d like to continue with the topic of prayer, which we covered earlier in the week. Prayer is such an important topic in our spiritual lives. Years ago, I attended a conference where Jon Tyson was a speaker. If you don’t know him, he is a pastor in NYC, and I have benefitted from many aspects of his ministry. At this conference, he was giving a talk on leadership in the local church. After walking through numerous practical examples for growth, one person in the audience asked him to identity the most crucial aspect of leadership. Tyson paused. He paused for a long time. Then he said this: “I cannot overemphasize the importance of prayer.”

Briefly, I would like to re-emphasize the necessity of prayer. All of the catechisms have a section on prayer. My favorite is the Heidelberg Catechism (I’m a good German!). Question 116 asks this: “Why is prayer necessary for Christians?” The answer? “Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness which God requires of us. Moreover, God will give His grace and the Holy Spirit only to those who constantly and with heartfelt longing ask Him for these gifts and thank Him for them.”

I want you to pause for a moment and take that in. Do you treat prayer as thankfulness to God? I’ll be honest—I don’t approach prayer with that attitude all the time. Personally, I easily fall into, “getter done” mode. I’m trying to be faithful in prayer—but the rest of the day is calling! Often, I can make the mistake of running to the petition phase of prayer, which we spoke about on Monday’s post. As a result, the soil of my heart is selfish rather and expectant for God to speak. I’m treating God with entitlement rather than thankfulness.

Notice the last sentence of the answer again: “God will give His grace and the Holy Spirit only to those who constantly and with heartfelt longing ask Him for these gifts and thank Him for them.” God will only …? Does that mean that sometimes God does hear my prayers? Biblically speaking, the answer is—yes. This is all the more reason to focus on heart preparation before we make a request. God cares about the posture of our heart—he wants us to come to him with a heartfelt longing for his grace and mercy.

Does God Hear Me?

Let’s come back and reflect on James 4 for a moment. This is a convicting verse for me and I need meditate upon it daily in prayer. Am I coming to God with the right motives? Whether God hears or answers certain prayers is tied to the posture of our hearts. James 4:3-4 says this: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” Sit with that verse for a moment and let the Holy Spirit speak to you. Ask him to search your heart before you pray. God will not hear us is we don’t come with the right attitude! Prayer is necessary, but we dare not love the world over our Savior.

If that verse seems harsh to you, I’d like to suggest a reason why. The following prayer offers a satirical look at our shallow view of sin. This superficial prayer is based on a modern “overhaul” of a traditional public confession of sin found in the Book of Common Prayer.

“Benevolent and easy-going Parent: We have occasionally had some minor errors of judgment, but they’re not really our fault. Due to forces beyond our control, we have sometimes failed to act in accordance with our own best interests. Under the circumstances, we did the best we could. We are glad to say that we’re doing okay, perhaps even slightly above average. Be your own sweet Self with those who know they are not perfect. Grant us that we may continue to live a harmless and happy life and keep our self-respect. And we ask all these things according to the unlimited tolerances which we have a right to expect from you. Amen.”

Wow. Ask yourself—is this the posture I have when I come to prayer? Friends, we need a different posture! The right posture answers the question: Who is God? And Nehemiah 9:6 tells us—he is the Lord of heaven and earth. How can we pray authentically? Another reason we don’t pray is that we claim we don’t know how. I can’t pray, Pastor Bob—I’m not good at it! I’ve got good news for you—Jesus showed us how to pray. He just says—pray like me. Author John Bombaro reminds us that Jesus invites us to pray like him … he writes this:

The Lord’s Prayer frees us from the tyranny of spiritual creativity and allows us to rest in the confidence of something certain and true. Instead of fabricating something snappy to garner God’s attention, Jesus would have us lose all such originality and simply plagiarize … at the [invitation] of the Lord himself.

The Lord’s Prayer. Matthew 6. And if you have a problem with praying that same thing over and over—these are the very words of Jesus … that give us the right posture every time. That is authentic prayer—praying the words of Jesus from your heart.

The Remedy? Put On The Sackcloth!

So … how do you get to the right heart posture of thankfulness? I would like to suggest the answer is found in Nehemiah 9:1-2 which says this: “Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the people of Israel were assembled with fasting and in sackcloth, and with earth on their heads. And the Israelites separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers.” This is a public assembly of the people of God. They separate themselves off and they make a corporate confession of sin. As Christians, we are part of a covenant community. How did they prepare themselves to offer this confession?

Notice three words: Fasting, Sackcloth, and Earth on their heads. As I explain these words, I want you to think—could I do this? (1) First, Fasting. This is a spiritual discipline where we give up something important to us. Often this involves food, but you can fast from anything. The point of fasting is to put aside an earthly desire or need so they can focus on the Lord. Do you have a regular practice of fasting? This is a lost art in Christian formation. (2) Second, Sackcloth. In the ancient world, when someone wore sackcloth it was a symbol of humility and mourning. Sackcloth is the burlap that is used in potato sacks. Anyone done a potato sack race recently? Now, imagine wearing a potato sack on your bare skin. It is itchy! It would make you feel super-uncomfortable—like 100 mosquitoes bit you! The point is this: the people were clothing themselves with discomfort. It was a reminder that our sin should make us uncomfortable. Does your sin make you uncomfortable? If not … you need to adjust your heart in prayer. (3) Third, they put EARTH or DIRT on their heads. The dirt is to remind them of how they are unclean, how dirty they are before a Holy God.

Authentic prayer requires the right preparation every day. When life is comfortable, and we don’t sense a need for God our hearts grow cold. A thin layer of ice builds up around our heart muscle. This happens every night. Imagine that. Every day you wake up with a layer of ice over your heart—prayer is how you melt that ice and set your heart on fire every morning. You need that! You have to break the ice if you want that authentic prayer.

There was a well-known song we sang growing up—“Light the fire in my soul … fan the flame … make me whole … Lord you know where I’ve been … light the fire in my heart again!” We need that.

If you want to be thankful in prayer—put on the spiritual sackcloth, get uncomfortable with your sin, and remind yourself that your Savior’s blood was spilt on your behalf.

A.I. Generated Prayer

The main theme of Nehemiah 9 is prayer. Do you struggle with consistent prayer? Nehemiah 9 exposes the reason for our struggles and simultaneously it shows us how to pray.

If you a prayer struggler, there is good news: Artificial Intelligence can even help you pray. Would you believe there is a website called: writemeaprayer.com? It claims to be a “prayer generator powered by the latest AI technology to help you in times of need.” You can even see recent prayers from around the world. If you can’t think of a prayer, A.I. will pray for you! If you would rather use your phone, you can download the IBIP App. IBIP means “I believe in prayer.” With this App you will get auto-generated daily prayers. Over time, it learns and refines your prayer requests! You can even give it feedback on how well it is generating your prayers! Sounds like a good deal, right?

Some of you are wondering—is he serious?! While I do believe A.I. can assist in some areas, praying for you is not one of them. Prayer is not something we can outsource to a machine. Our Creator has given us a soul and he has given us agency—the ability to make decisions. We cannot give that up because he wants our whole heart. He wants to hear our deepest desires and our struggles. Prayer is something that must come from your heart to God’s ears.

Why Don’t We Pray?

Why do so many of us struggle with prayer? Let’s first start with a definition. What is prayer? The Westminster Shorter Catechism defines prayer this way: “Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God.” Simple—clear.

Put differently, our prayer life is not a checklist. Rather, prayer is our relational glue with God. Our prayer reveal how close we are with our Creator—and what we believe about him. Let me suggest three reasons we don’t prayer. First, we question if God hears our prayer. We may have prayed for something specific, but he didn’t answer. Or, he didn’t answer as we think he should. Second, we don’t pray, because we don’t want to be truly known. Even though God knows us inside and out—we resist prayer because then we would have to admit to him our thoughts, our desires, and our sins. We don’t really believe God is gracious and merciful. Finally, we don’t pray because we don’t think we need God. Especially in 21st century America, and especially in the Northeastern Corridor, many of us fancy ourselves to be self-sufficient. I am a self-made person—I don’t need help!

So … how can we pray authentically? Let me offer four components of authentic prayer.

The Right Preparation

A primary problem with our prayer lives is that we run first to petition. Our prayers may sound like this: “God, I want this, I need this, GIVE ME!” Before we ask, we need to prepare. Look how Nehemiah begins his prayer:

“Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the people of Israel were assembled with fasting and in sackcloth, and with earth on their heads. And the Israelites separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers (Nehemiah 9:1-2, ESV).”

In the ancient world, when someone wore sackcloth it was a symbol of humility and mourning. Sackcloth is the burlap that is used in potato sacks. Imagine wearing a potato sack on your bare skin. It is ITCHY! It would make you feel super-uncomfortable. The point is this: the people were clothing themselves with discomfort. It was a reminder that our sin should make us uncomfortable. Does you sin make you uncomfortable? If not you need to adjust your heart in prayer.

Allow me to sum up their prayer preparation. The people of God stopped eating—they were hungry! They wore uncomfortable clothes. And the, they covered their heads with dirt—they needed a shower! When was the last time you prepared yourself like that for prayer?! That is the point. It reminded them of their need for God.

A key barrier to authentic prayer is lack of need—we are too comfortable! Beware comfortable Christianity church! When you become too comfortable in your Christian walk, you will be ineffective for the kingdom! You will become disconnected from the king himself! Let me ask you this—when was the last time you stepped out in faith for Christ? It doesn’t have to be something life altering. Maybe you needed to tell someone at work you were a Christian and wanted to pray for him or her. Can I suggest that the reason we don’t sense a need for God is because we aren’t doing anything uncomfortable for God. We need to put on the SACKCLOTH! Some of us need to get a little uncomfortable for Jesus. Start fasting! Get some dirt on your head because it reminds us of our need for him.

The Right Posture

Posture is word we often associate with body position. You should have good posture when you stand, or sit. There is a physicality to it. The same is true with our hearts. We could slouch spiritually, or be spiritually rigid. That is why preparation is the first step.

If we prepare well—it will cause a change in our hearts when we come to prayer. We will see ourselves rightly—as sinners in need of a savior. And we will see God rightly—Holy, Almighty, Powerful. He is the one who is worthy of praise. Nehemiah 9:6-38, is the longest prayer in the entire Bible. This is the abridged version, not the three-hour version. Look how it begins in v. 6:

“You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you (Nehemiah 9:6, ESV).”

Could I invite us do reflect for a moment? Is that how you pray? Some of us probably do; many of us do not. I think more often, when we haven’t prepared our hearts well, we come to prayer with an entitlement attitude. We come to prayer thinking God is there to serve us: God—IMPRESS ME. God—GIVE ME. God—SERVE ME! After all, the world revolves around me don’t you know?!

Some of us are nicer about it that others … but the attitude is the same—we just mask it better.

And then we start to complain when God doesn’t seem to hear or answer our prayers. Well, did you know that sometimes, God doesn’t promise to hear or answer our prayers? “Wait … what? What do you mean? Doesn’t God know how important I am?” Whether God hears or answers certain prayers is tied to the posture of our hearts. What does James 4 tell us?

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? (James 4:3-4, ESV)

You don’t receive because you ask wrongly. It’s about your motive in praying. The posture of your heart is rigid because you love the world rather than me. How about Isaiah 1:

“When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause (Isaiah 1:15-17, ESV).”

Can I get an Amen?! No? Some of us are saying, “I missed that verse … ” Isaiah says—you didn’t do the heart preparation—now the posture of your heart is wicked. If that is the case, God will not listen! He will hide his face from you. And then, and then, when God doesn’t give us what we want, we get mad at him! How dare you God! I’ll stop believing in you!

If you want authentic prayer, you need the right heart posture.

The Right Perspective

Third, you need the right perspective. The question for this point is this: What has God done? How has he worked in history? Will he still intervene in my life? Again, the reason many of us struggle with prayer is we don’t think God can do what he says he can do. Most of the prayer in Nehemiah 9, vv. 7-31, is all about how God worked in the history of the people of Israel up to this point. It is a revelation of God’s redemptive action in history. Prayer calls us to REMEMBER what God has done. REMEMBER. REMEMBER. We so easily forget. There are seven main sections to vv. 7-31. Nehemiah takes us through the history of Abraham, the Exodus, the giving of the law, the wandering in the wilderness, Joshua entering the promised land, the Judges, and finally the exile. Through it all we are reminded of this in v. 31:

“Nevertheless, in your great mercies you did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God (Nehemiah 9:31, ESV).”

Some of us need to hear that today. The reason some of us don’t pray, or we don’t have a deep prayer life, is because we think God is done with us. We think God has forgotten us. We think God will not forgive us. But this one verse, right here shows us who God is—gracious and merciful! In his mercy he did not make an end to them or forsake them. Israel gave God plenty of reason to abandon them … but he didn’t! Let that change your perspective.

I want to give you a challenge this week. How are you remembering what God has done in your life? Maybe you need to get a journal for your prayer time. Maybe you need to place a reminder somewhere in your house. I’m telling you—it is so easy to forget—don’t! How will you remember?

The Right Petition

When you make the right preparation, when you get the right heart posture, and when you look over your life and get the right perspective … then, then, then we can offer an authentic prayer and make the right petition. A petition just simply means a request. Some of us have a hard time asking for anything in our lives, let alone asking something from God. In vv. 32-37 Nehemiah repeats the themes he has already stated in vv. 6-31. The people confess their sins and the sins of their people again. Then, in verse 32, the return to where the prayer started—with God.

“Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, let not all the hardship seem little to you that has come upon us, upon our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers, and all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day (Nehemiah 9:32, ESV).”

They say, “Oh Lord you are mighty and awesome—you are faithful with the covenant—you love us!” But then they make a request—a petition. What do they ask? “Let not all the hardship seem little to you that has come upon us …” Now, why would they ask that? Didn’t we just walk through all the ways God has delivered them? Isn’t God at work in their midst? Well, if you keep reading, they reiterate that they and their leaders have not kept the law, they have not followed God and he has still been gracious. They confess that. Then we read this in. vv. 36-37:

“Behold, we are slaves this day; in the land that you gave to our fathers to enjoy its fruit and its good gifts, behold, we are slaves. And its rich yield goes to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and over our livestock as they please, and we are in great distress (Nehemiah 9:36-37, ESV).”

What are they saying? They are still slaves in their land. They are still subject to the Persian Empire. They are saying, “Lord, because we have sinned we are in distress … DELIVER US! Oh Great God … remember us! Return us to where we were before the exile?” This is an honest, authentic request. It is a right petition offered with an authentic repentant heart.

However, they might be wondering: will God answer our prayers? Will he act as he did in history? It is the same question so many of us ask. Can you relate? Many of us struggle with prayer because it feels like God is far away. It feels like he hasn’t heard our cries when we are exile. Life has not turned out as we hoped. And we cry out—deliver us! Will a deliverer come? What Israel didn’t see, but what we can see now, is that over four hundred years later … a deliverer would come to give them the fulfillment for which they were looking. That deliverer would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey, he would overturn the tables in the temple, he confront the religious Pharisees, he would die on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins—and when he did the veil in the temple was torn in two! Now the presence of God is in the heart of every believer. Now, we don’t need a priest to bring us to God—we can go right to him in prayer if we seek him.

How do you pray authentically? Jesus, Messiah, The Christ, the Deliverer who is God in the flesh tells us: ASK. Make a petition! Get your heart right, but then ASK! God knows our need, but he still wants us to come to him and ask. What does Jesus tell us in Luke 11:9-10,

“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened (Luke 11:9-10, ESV).”

ASK. SEEK. KNOCK. Are you doing that? Are you running towards Jesus or away from him? The right petition occurs when we honestly seek the Lord with a right heart. Artificial Intelligence can give you information, it can answer some of your questions, and it can even spit out a prayer for you. But it can’t make your heart right. It can’t repent for you. You must do that! This is what Nehemiah 9 shows us.

 

“The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10) is a verse that resonates deeply with those who seek refuge and protection in God during challenging times. To truly comprehend the profound meaning behind this verse, we must explore the rich symbolism of the word “strength” and understand its significance in the context of seeking refuge and protection in God. Additionally, we will integrate the idea that joy, rooted in a right relationship with God, is the source of this strength.

Strength as a Refuge

In the Old Testament, the word “strength” often represents a refuge, stronghold, or fortress, providing a secure and safe place in times of distress. This symbolism is frequently used in the Psalms and the Prophets, emphasizing God as a sanctuary in times of trouble. Isaiah 25:4 reminds us that God is “a refuge (māʿôz) for the poor, a refuge (māʿôz) for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.” Similarly, Nahum 1:7a underlines God as “a refuge (māʿôz) in times of trouble.”

The Joy of the Lord

Now, let’s delve into the concept of “the joy of the Lord.” This joy stems from a deep and unwavering connection with God, offering believers a profound sense of delight and contentment. It is not merely fleeting happiness but a lasting state of well-being resulting from a close relationship with the Creator. Joy is intricately tied to God’s presence and blessings, arising from faith, trust, and a personal relationship with the Lord.

The Synergy of Joy and Strength

But how does this joy bring strength? It starts when we realize that we are forgiven for our sins and have entered a right relationship with God, finding a satisfaction in our relationship with God that surpasses anything the world can offer. This joy strengthens us against temptation because, as Jesus explained, finding a right relationship with God is like discovering a hidden treasure in a field. It’s so valuable that we willingly give up everything else just to possess it. This joy enables us to overcome temptation, because everything else pales in comparison to knowing God.

Life Application

Are you finding your joy in your relationship with God? The problem we often face is that we seek joy in other places and invest our time and money in things that promise happiness but don’t last. However, when you discover the joy of a right relationship with God, you experience a joy unspeakable and full of glory. Someone who truly grasps the joy of knowing and treasuring God above all else becomes a remarkably strong individual.

 

In the grand tapestry of life, the Word of God is as vital as the air we breathe. Just as we inhale and exhale to sustain our physical existence, our souls need the nourishment of the divine scriptures. Nehemiah 8:1-12, a profound passage from the Bible, paints a vivid picture of the people’s response to the Word of God. In this blog post, we will explore five essential ways in which we, as believers, respond to the Word of God.

1. Respond to the Word of God with Careful Listening

Nehemiah 8:1-3 opens with the people gathering as one to listen to the Word of God being read aloud. Their attentive ears and open hearts set the stage for a profound encounter with divine wisdom. Just as we need to pay close attention when someone whispers a secret, so too must we carefully listen when the Word of God is spoken. This careful listening is the first step in our response to God’s message, allowing it to penetrate our souls.

2. Respond to the Word of God with Reverence

The people in Nehemiah’s time responded to the Word of God with deep reverence. In verse 5, we see them standing in awe of the Scriptures. This reverence acknowledges the divine nature of the Word and reflects our humble recognition of its authority. When we approach the Word with reverence, we acknowledge its power to guide and shape our lives.

3. Respond to the Word of God with Understanding

Verse 7 tells us that the Levites helped the people understand the Law. Without understanding, the Word of God remains a mystery. We respond to God’s Word by seeking to comprehend its meaning and its relevance in our lives. Through study and reflection, we gain insight into the depths of divine wisdom.

4. Respond to the Word of God with Conviction

As the people listened and understood the Word in Nehemiah’s time, they were moved to tears of conviction. In verse 9, they recognized their shortcomings and the need to turn back to God. Our response to the Word of God often involves a deep sense of conviction, prompting us to examine our lives and seek forgiveness and transformation.

5. Respond to the Word of God with Joy

Despite the tears of conviction, Nehemiah 8:10 emphasizes that joy is also a part of our response to God’s Word. The people were encouraged to celebrate because the joy of the Lord is their strength. True joy comes when we realize that God’s Word is a source of hope, comfort, and guidance in our lives. It is the joy of being in a right relationship with God.

The story of Augustine’s conversion is a powerful illustration of the impact of God’s Word. As Augustine struggled with his faith, he heard a voice saying, “tolle lege,” which means “take up and read.” He opened the Bible and read a passage that profoundly impacted his life, leading to his conversion. Augustine’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Word of God, inspiring us to approach it with the same reverence, understanding, conviction, and joy that the people in Nehemiah 8 displayed. Just as Augustine discovered, we, too, can become a people of the book, finding guidance, redemption, and eternal life through our proper response to the Word of God.

Recommended Resource:

Expository Listening: A Practical Handbook for Hearing and Doing God’s Word Paperback – February 23, 2010

 

Winston Churchill, the iconic British statesman who led his country through World War II, once quipped to his wife, “If this is a blessing in disguise, it’s very well disguised.” He made this comment after losing the 1945 general election, signaling his frustration at the unexpected turn of events. Little did he know that his loss was, indeed, a blessing in disguise, as history would later reveal. In a similar vein, we can find inspiration from Churchill’s experience as we delve into the story of Nehemiah 6, which teaches us valuable lessons about facing challenges head-on. As we explore this biblical narrative, we’ll uncover secrets to finishing well and overcoming the tactics of our enemy.

Point 1: The Enemy Wants to Distract You

Nehemiah, a trusted cupbearer to the Persian king, was determined to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, which lay in ruins. However, his adversaries sought to distract him from this noble mission. In Nehemiah 6:2, we read about Sanballat and Geshem, two of his opponents, who invited him to a meeting under the guise of friendship. Nehemiah, discerning their ulterior motives, wisely responded, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3).

In our lives, we often encounter distractions that can deter us from our goals. These distractions may appear harmless, but they can sabotage our progress. Just as Nehemiah remained focused on his mission, we too should recognize and resist the enemy’s attempts to divert our attention from what truly matters.

Point 2: The Enemy Wants to Discredit You

Nehemiah’s adversaries didn’t stop at mere distractions. They also sought to discredit his character and intentions. In Nehemiah 6:5-7, they spread false rumors about his intentions to rebel against the king, undermining his credibility. Yet Nehemiah, undeterred, responded with unwavering faith and integrity, trusting in the Lord’s protection.

In our own lives, when facing challenges, people may attempt to discredit us, casting doubt on our abilities and intentions. It’s essential to stand firm in our beliefs, maintain our integrity, and rely on our faith to overcome such attacks.

Point 3: The Enemy Wants to Discourage You

The adversaries of Nehemiah continued their campaign by sending letters filled with threats and intimidation, hoping to discourage him. They hoped he would lose heart and abandon his mission. Nehemiah, however, remained resolute and unshaken in his determination to see the project through to completion. He drew strength from his unwavering faith and commitment to God’s plan.

When we face adversity, discouragement often follows closely. The enemy attempts to weaken our resolve and make us give up on our goals. Like Nehemiah, we must draw strength from our faith, knowing that challenges are opportunities to grow stronger and more resilient.

Point 4: The Enemy Wants to Destroy You

As Nehemiah’s enemies saw that their previous attempts failed, they resorted to more desperate measures. They conspired to harm him physically. Yet, Nehemiah and his fellow builders remained vigilant, trusting in God’s protection. Their unwavering determination to complete the wall ensured their safety, and the project was finished despite all odds.

In our lives, the enemy may resort to extreme measures to thwart our progress. It’s essential to remember that challenges and obstacles do not signify the end but an opportunity to persevere. With faith and determination, we can overcome the most formidable challenges.

Nehemiah’s story, like Winston Churchill’s, teaches us that adversity can be a blessing in disguise. By examining Nehemiah 6, we gain insights into how the enemy tries to distract, discredit, discourage, and destroy us. In the face of these challenges, we can draw inspiration from Nehemiah’s unwavering faith, determination, and commitment to his mission. Just as Churchill ultimately led Britain to victory, Nehemiah’s resolve led to the successful rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. We must likewise remain steadfast and “fight to the finish” to achieve our goals and fulfill our God-given purpose.

 

Discussing euthanasia and end-of-life decisions is challenging but essential, as these are realities we must openly address. The psalmist prayed, ‘Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” (Ps 71:9) In this blog post, I will share my convictions regarding these matters, informed by my belief in the scriptures which teach that actively hastening the end of life is morally wrong and goes against the doctrine of the sanctity of life. My perspective is guided by several key reasons outlined below.

Biblical and Ethical Considerations

As human beings created in God’s image, we possess irrevocable value (Gen. 1:26), worthy of protection. My central conviction is that actively hastening the end of life is morally wrong. It can be equated to a failure to love (Matt 22:36-40, Jn 13:35), and it is a violation of the Sixth Commandment, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). Implied in the sixth commandment is not only forbidding the taking of innocent life, but an obligation to preserve life whenever possible. The Westminster Confession, in section WCF 136, further explicates our responsibilities under this commandment, “the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life,” emphasizing the duty to preserve life as a moral obligation. To further reinforce these convictions about human dignity, consider the words of theologian Al Mohler, “Life is God’s gift to us, and we have a responsibility to protect and cherish it. When facing end-of-life decisions, we must seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, allowing our faith to illuminate the path of righteousness.” (Albert Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)

The Consideration of Mercy and Compassion

We are also called to extend mercy toward those who suffer and are afflicted (Luke 6:36). Compassion never justifies euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide, but it does guide us away from overly aggressive, painful interventions when such measures are most likely futile. Sometimes real life situations aren’t as clear cut as we would like them to be, and the messy scenarios in the hospital or the rehab center can leave even well informed Christians puzzled and conflicted. Here is a key question we should ask: “Will this course of treatment constitute the preservation of life, or the prolongation of death and unnecessary suffering?”

The Tension: Are we preserving life or prolonging suffering and death?

When considering end-of-life decisions, we should carefully examine the patient’s medical status, including factors such as heart, lung, and kidney functionality. Positive medical indicators with these major organs suggest potential for improvement or stabilization, impacting the decision-making process to continue life-saving treatment for recovery. Questions for the medical team and family will help to answer these difficult questions:

“What is the likelihood for recovery?”

“Will the available treatments worsen suffering, with little chance of benefit?”

“What are the best and worst expected outcomes?”

Decisions of this nature are best made prayerfully in the context of loving Christian community, guided by a medical team which understands and shares your biblical worldview, and the elders and pastors God has placed in your life.

We Cling to God’s Promises of Hope

When the difficult decision is made to “let go,” we must remember that for the Christian, nothing—not even death!—can pry us from God’s love (Rom. 8:38-39). Christ has rescued us from the permanence of death’s curse (1 Cor. 15:54-55). We firmly hold to the promise of the resurrection of the body and the hope of eternal union with God (1 Thess. 4:14). In this way, the hope of the gospel changes our perspective on death and frees us from fear, though we die, yet shall we live (Jn 11:25-26)! Pastor Tim Keller provided for us a model of hope until the very end. After a battle with pancreatic cancer, Keller passed away in the Spring of 2023. His son Michael Keller recounted his final moments, “Dad waited until he was alone with Mom. She kissed him on the forehead and he breathed his last breath,” his tweet read. “We take comfort in some of his last words, ‘There is no downside for me leaving, not in the slightest.'” (Tweet from May 19, 2023) Tim Keller passed away trusting in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection, he provides a model for all Christ-followers.

In summary, when facing end-of-life decisions, the Christian is guided to preserve life and to seek cure when recovery is possible, but also to accept the reality of death by natural causes when it arrives. Compassion guides us to alleviate unnecessary suffering, but cling to our hope in the sure promises of Jesus Christ, our anchor in every storm.

One Practical Consideration: The Importance of a Living Will and Legal Expression of Biblical Convictions

When it comes to these decisions, the key is communication. A living will is a legal document that allows individuals to express their medical treatment preferences, especially in situations where they cannot communicate these preferences themselves. This document is crucial for several reasons. It provides clarity and consistency: A living will provides clarity about one’s wishes regarding end-of-life care. It ensures that medical decisions align with one’s deeply held biblical convictions, as expressed in this essay. It will reduce family stress: Having a living will in place can reduce the emotional burden on family members who might otherwise have to make difficult decisions on your behalf. It provides them with clear guidance, which can alleviate stress during a challenging time. It provides legal protection: By making your convictions legally binding, you ensure that your wishes are respected, even if they conflict with prevailing medical practices. This legal protection safeguards your values and beliefs in a healthcare system that may not always share the same principles. In conclusion, the legal expression of biblical convictions through a living will is a critical step in ensuring that your values and principles are upheld in medical decision-making. This approach aligns with our moral duty to preserve life and can provide clarity and peace of mind for both individuals and their families during challenging times.

Resources for Further Study: For those seeking to delve deeper into this topic, here are three valuable resources:

• Book: David Van Drunen “Bioethics and the Christian life.” A guide to making difficult decisions. This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the biblical and ethical aspects of life issues.
• Article: “4 biblical principles for end-of-life dilemmas” from the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. This article provides a Christian perspective on end-of-life decisions and the sanctity of life.
• Sermon: “Dignity and the End of Life.” by Pastor Bob Erbig.

Israel’s 9/11

This study has been timely because modern Israel has been in the news. I’ve been concerned, as I am sure many of you have been, about the disturbing events in the middle east. On October 7th, terrorists from the group Hamas, crossed the border from Gaza to Israel and committed horrifying acts against Israeli civilians. It’s been reported that over 1300 Israeli’s were killed in this attack, many more injured. These deaths included women, children, and the elderly. The actions were graphic: some women were violated and then dragged naked through the streets; infants were not just killed, but beaded; hostages were taken, including a Holocaust survivor.  There are no words for these atrocities only stomach churning nausea. Some people have argued that the events of October 7th, 2023 was Israel’s 9/11.

All of this causes tension; it causes discomfort. I think the crisis we are witnessing points to a tension in our own hearts: what do I do when conflict, when danger, knocks down my door? The outline of Nehemiah 3, in particular, offers two images when it comes to conflict: DOORS and WALLS. Nehemiah 3 is all about building the walls of Jerusalem. There is an incredible team effort that happens. However, I want you to notice that in the midst of the wall there are many DOORS. Here is a repetitious statement in chapter 3:

The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars (Nehemiah 3:3, ESV).

“They laid it’s beams and set its DOORS, its bolts, and its bars …” This is repeated over and over. There are 12 DOORS around the wall. What do doors have the ability to do? They have the ability to OPEN and let someone in. Now, the million-dollar question is this: How do you know when to open the door? That requires discernment.

Clarity of Mission

Conflict causes us to consider the door. Clarity of our mission will help us with discernment when it comes to opening and closing doors. I have watched people give up when the conflict heats up because they did not have clarity of mission. If you are building God’s kingdom and making a difference—Satan wants to stop you. But God has given you a job. And you can only finish the job if you know the mission. Do you know your specific calling? Have you faced opposition? Work can be hard, home life can be hard, marriage and parenting can be hard but if you know you are called to that job and to your family—that clarity carries you through the challenges. Nehemiah and his people had the vision to rebuild the city. In Nehemiah 3, before the conflict heats up, we finally, finally start to see the construction of the wall and it is impressive.

It was a team effort. Over and over in Nehemiah 3 we see that each person took a section and built the wall. Why did they do this? Why did Nehemiah rebuild the walls? I mean, we have a whole book of the Bible where, basically, the purpose is to put these walls back up. It must be important, right? Can you tell me why the wall was important?

I would highlight two major reasons for the wall: (1) PROTECTION—Israel had enemies. Like today. There was danger on all sides, as we will see in chapter 4. The wall showed renewed protection for the people of Israel. Now why is that important? (2) The second reason for the wall was PROMISE. Protection and promise. What do I mean by that? Well, you might remember that a major part of the OT is a promise that God gives to Abraham in Genesis. He tells him that he will make him in a mighty nation who will bless the world. How will they bless world? From the line of Abraham will come Messiah, the Savior King of the world, Jesus Christ. Nehemiah and his people had clarity of mission.

Courage Under Fire

The real test of a leader is how they handle conflict and opposition. In the next two chapters, Nehemiah faces two threats: (1) An EXTERNAL Threat. (2) An INTERNAL Threat. The external threat comes in the form of enemies surrounding Jerusalem. Nehemiah’s people were afraid. Then we read this encouragement in Nehemiah 4:14,

“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes (Nehemiah 4:14, ESV).”

Can I ask: who or what is bringing intimidation in your life right now? It might be a person. It might be a circumstance. God is bigger than any conflict coming your way. When you reject fear and trust the Lord then you can fight for your family. What is he calling spiritual leaders to do? “Fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” What does it look like to fight for your family? Are you loving them well?

That verse brings us to the big takeaway from chapter 4: Courage requires prayer and preparation. Nehemiah and his people had clarity for the mission, which gave them courage under fire. Where are you under fire today? Where do you need courage? Many of us are out there doing ministry in the marketplace—facing intimidation for our faith and beliefs. We are trying to build the kingdom—but the opposition is real. We pray—but we also engage in spiritual warfare. My encouragement to you today is rally with other believers and trust that God will fight for you. In the end, the victory is his!

Compassion During Crisis

Sometimes we can become so focused on the mission that we run over people. We need COMPASSION during crisis. Nehemiah faced an EXTERNAL conflict that required courage. However, in chapter 5, he faces an INTERNAL conflict that required compassion. The story picks up in 5:1,

Now there arose a great outcry of the people and of their wives against their Jewish brothers (Nehemiah 5:1 ESV).

Okay, what is going on? That word, “outcry,” is the same word that is used in Exodus 3:9 where the Israelites were complaining about the Egyptian oppression. This is a signal—something bad is going on. What is it? It is the collateral damage of the mission—it is the price of building the wall. There was an economic crisis because the people gave everything for the mission of building the wall. That meant they couldn’t do other work. Specifically, they couldn’t grow grain to feed the people, so there was a food shortage. If you read the chapter there are three major groups impacted. (1) The first group were the RENTERS, or families who owned no land. While working on the wall, they received no income because they could not grow grain to harvest. (2) The second group were the LAND LORDS. They owned land with a mortgage on it. Since the renters could not pay their rent the land lords could not pay their mortgage. Again, grain was a form of payment in that day. So, basically, they were defaulting on their loans. (3) The third group were WEALTHIER LANDLORDS who had no mortgage. However, they still had to pay property taxes to the King! Now, they had to take out debt just to pay their taxes! Can you imagine?! What a mess. And this was all due to the downstream effects of building the wall.

Now, the mission was important and perhaps these were necessary costs. But the point is this: we must have compassion for this crisis. It was even worse—people had to sell their children into slavery just to be able to cover their debts! Do you see how terrible this was? No wonder there was an outcry. The biggest tragedy was that the creditors who offered these loans were fellow Jews. Does no one see this as a problem? In effect, the Jews were oppressing their own people. Nehemiah hears this and it breaks his heart.

I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words (Nehemiah 5:6, ESV).

Nehemiah’s heart is not just broken, but he is ANGRY at how the poor, the women and children, and even the middle class are being treated. This is by his own people! They built this wall but nobody could eat. They had CLARITY of mission—even to the point of sacrifice. They had COURAGE despite the opposition. Where was the COMPASSION for those hurting?

Nehemiah steps in and models healthy confrontation and generosity. In chapter 5, Nehemiah is a picture of God’s grace and generosity. Nehemiah opened the door and had compassion on his people. Our great God does the same with us. All of us were once sinners, rebels against the living God. We owed a debt we could never repay. We would be slaves to sin forever BUT GOD. Oh church, BUT GOD in his grace, offered us what we don’t deserve through Jesus Christ. Now, he calls us to model generosity to others.