The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. Neh. 1:3.
What a question! On one hand, we would say YES, as we contemplate churches without pastors and churches closing their doors! It is heart-breaking! Faithfulness is almost a forgotten description in the lives of many. We consider Nehemiah 1 and the condition of God’s city. Nehemiah was so moved. I attempt to compare that to our days and times and our church. We know that we don’t have the power to give someone a new heart; a zeal for Christ, though we wish we could! However, what I see from Nehemiah is his burden and his prayer. He proved his burden by his prayer and fasting. God doesn’t call upon us to build His church; He said He would do that in Matthew 16. I do believe, however, He calls us to have a burden; to have a heart for His work. So, the question, “Do I have a sincere heart for the Lord’s Church here?” “Do you have a sincere heart for the Lord’s church here?” How much do we pray? How much have we wept and sought God? We truly know the results are in His hand, but let us make sure we are doing our part. Nehemiah could have reacted fatalistically and shrugged His shoulders, but He did what He could do. May we follow His example, Get involved, be faithful and pray, and DO ALL WE CAN DO, trusting our God does the results.
