SATURDAY August 12, 2017
Wisdom from God
Now the leaders of the people dwelt at Jerusalem; the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, the holy city, and nine-tenths were to dwell in other cities. And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. - Nehemiah 11:1-2
Nehemiah was not just a wise builder, but he was a wise captain. He had placed his trust in the Lord. Nehemiah knew the city of Jerusalem needed to be repopulated in order to defend the city from attack. There were about 50,000 who had returned home from Babylon. So, from out of the 50,000 who had returned, 5,000––ten out of every 100 of them would need to remain in the city.
Many people did not want to live within Jerusalem. They had purposely chosen to dwell in the outskirts of the city because Jerusalem was not rebuilt––it lay in ruins. The people were vulnerable to their enemies’ attacks. They needed to make sure they were no longer susceptible to their constant assaults. However, living in Jerusalem was not forced upon the people; they willingly volunteered to live in the city.
Wisdom for making good decisions is something we all need for our daily lives, especially when it affects others. The Bible teaches us in James 1:5: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
It is vital to come before the Lord and, in prayer, ask Him for His wisdom for the problems and situations in our lives. He will answer the righteous––those who are in Jesus Christ, whom He has made in right standing with God through His shed blood. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— (1 Corinthians 1:30).
For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man
who is good in His sight….
~Ecclesiastes 2:26~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
