SATURDAY March 18, 2017
Arise and Build
So I answered them, and said to them, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.” - Nehemiah 2:20
Nehemiah told Sanballat, who was most likely a Moabite, Tobiah the Ammonite and Geshem an Arabian that they had no relation with the Jews––they were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel. Even though they were chief men among the Samaritans (Nehemiah 4:1, 7), they had no authority over them. As a leader Nehemiah stood up to his enemies and he reminded them they were of no importance.
Nehemiah, in the face of opposition, would arise and build with his Jewish brethren. God had already provided the means to rebuild, so they would continue with confidence––the Lord would prosper them. As God’s servants, they were unified, with one mind and one heart to complete this epic work–– to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
It is important to realize that we only have one life to live. There are people who sit in old folks’ homes, who have not fulfilled what God intended for their lives. They have wasted their years, when they could have been used mightily by the Lord. Now they are unable to anything, except to look back on their wasted lives. So many people miss out on the opportunities God had given to them. Can you imagine their torment?
Seriously, you can never get back the time you waste now, especially as a youth, the clock just keeps moving forward and time will pass you by. It is vital to discipline your life so that every minute counts for the Lord. Be careful to focus on what the Lord wants you to do. That is the only way you are going to gain ground. Chuck Smith said, “If you cannot govern your spirit now or take care of your problems now, it might be that you could become a regretful person one day.”
No reserves. No retreat. No regrets.
~William Borden~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
