Training the future wall builders

Nehemiah 8:1-2 NKJV — Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month.

The people and the leaders knew they needed to be instructed by God’s Word.

To all come together to listen to the book of the law, to understand what God’s commandments are, was the priority.

Nehemiah 8:8 NKJV — So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading.

Through the teaching of God’s Law people’s hearts were changed.

Nehemiah 8:9 NKJV — And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.

Chapter 9 of Nehemiah is recounting the history of their people and the faithfulness of God.

It was vital that the people who lived within the protection of the wall understand that it was by God, not the wall that they were kept from their enemies.

It was also vital that they realize why the wall had been broken down in the past, the hearts of their forefathers had grown hard.

As followers of Christ, we too must realize that our salvation is through Christ alone.

Our spiritual protection is due to Him, not how long we pray or what fancy words might be said.

Building a spiritual wall is an out pouring of understanding that we are frail, our nature is to sin, and we have an adversary who wants to destroy us.

Time in prayer is only part of it.

We must also be in God’s Word, learning His ways, His truth.

But it doesn’t end there.

We need to be educating those who will come after us.

It’s not enough to just pray for our children and grandchildren, we need to teach them why we pray.

We need to live lives which reflect the nature of our Lord Jesus.

We need to be sure we are training the future wall builders.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Nehemiah and this book we can learn so much from. Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your guidance and teaching. Lord, please help me to not only follow You in all things, but to train others, to be a light of encouragement. Lord, please help me to speak words of truth and instruction to my children and grandchildren. Thank You for Your patience with me. Thank You for the lessons You have taught me. I love You, Jesus. Amen.