Category: Bible Studies

Bible Studies

“Mary’s Song-The Magnificat” 5 Songs of Hope for Advent

Loring Schultz

And Mary said,

 “My soul magnifies the Lord,

    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

   For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

   and holy is his name.” Luke 1:46-49 ESV

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Our second song of hope for this Advent season is most likely the most recognized one of the five. Mary’s song, known as ‘The Magnificat,’ has been read and sung in churches around the world for centuries. It is a song Mary spoke through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Did she sing it or speak it? Scripture says, “And Mary said,” but there was certainly singing in her heart. It was heart-felt praise and adoration for her Lord from the depths of her soul. It is called the ‘Magnificat’ because in the Latin Vulgate translation the opening word is ‘Magnificat’ meaning ‘glorifies.’ Mary’s song displays her vast knowledge of the Scriptures. As John MacArthur points out, “These verses also contain numerous allusions to the law, the psalms, and the prophets. The entire passage is a point-by-point reciting of the covenant promises of God.” (1) There are 15 quotations from the Old Testament in her song. It is noteworthy there is deep concern for the poor and despised, and rejection of the rich and proud. Mary finds herself as one of the poor and despised people of the world. She is astonished and humbled the Lord has found favor with her. R.C. Sproul sees it as a true Cinderella story, not a fairy tale, but reality and truth.

Mary starts by exalting or magnifying the Lord, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Lk.1:46-47 esv) Praising the almighty God, Mary also realized her need of a savior. The child she would bear would indeed be her son but would also be her savior. Despite the historical church teaching to our friends in the Catholic church, Mary was not sinless and needed a savior. Mary says, ‘my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’ Thomas Aquinas, an Italian Christian theologian and philosopher who served under several Popes and was canonized St. Thomas Aquinas in 1323, believed Mary could not have been sinless because of her confession of needing of a savior.

Mary then acknowledges her lowly state and how graciously the Lord God looked upon her. From that point on all generations will realize how blessed Mary was. “For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.” (Lk.1:48 esv) The word ‘servant’ is also translated ‘maidservant’ was the term for a female slave in that day. Mary, therefore, expressed a deep sense of humility.

Three attributes are rendered in the words of Mary in her song, God’s mighty power, His holiness, and His mercy. (Lk.1:49-50) Mary says the mighty God has done great things for her, a lowly servant. She then notes the holiness of God and says those who fear God and acknowledges Him receives mercy. God’s mighty hand is further seen in Mary’s words as she describes the acts of God. “He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.” (Lk.1:51-53 esv) Mary gives us a history lesson of God’s justice by God scattering the proud and bringing the mighty down from their thrones, while raising up those of low estate which Mary was one. If anyone knew God’s mercy towards the poor and the low estate in society, Mary knew. It speaks to her overwhelming humble attitude and praise to God in seeing her lowly handmaid status being raised up by the God of mercy.

Mary ends her song with the assurance that God keeps His promises. Again, Mary, being well versed in Scripture, knew God has helped Israel in the past and will continue to do so. She also knew God is a covenant keeping God, and what was promised and prophesied in Old Testament would come to past. Mary knew the promise of the coming Messiah. She knew He would be born of a virgin; she knew she was in that category. She knew He would be called the Son of God, and He would save His people from their sins. Mary praised and glorified God who chose her in a lowly estate to bring into the world, the savior of the world. So, Mary sang, The Magnificat – “My soul magnifies the Lord.”

Read: Luke 1:46-55 ESV – Mary’s Song of Praise: The – Bible Gateway

(1) MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible. Nashville: Word Publishing, 1997. Pg 1512

Bible Studies

“Elizabeth’s Song” 5 Songs of Hope for Advent    

Loring Schultz

“And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!’” Luke 1:41-42 ESV

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During the next couple of weeks throughout the Advent season we will be looking at 5 songs of hope as recorded in Luke’s gospel on the birth of Christ. Music and particularly songs of praise are all throughout Scripture. Music alone has a way to lift the soul. What better time of year is there than to celebrate with music than the Christmas season. Christmas music will be filling the airwaves, churches, school auditoriums, concert halls, and shopping malls. It can certainly change your mood, mostly for the better, but some might argue with that. These 5 songs of hope for Advent are songs spoken to praise God for the hope He has bestowed upon us in sending His Son for the hope (assurance) we have of salvation.

Our first song this Sunday is ‘Elizabeth’s Song.’ It is not at all lengthy, but rather short and to the point speaking volumes of praise and theological truth. The occasion was Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and Zechariah upon hearing the news of them having their first child. “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Lk.1:42b-45 esv)

Elizabeth was Mary’s older cousin, much older. Zechariah, a priest, was told by an angel of the Lord while he was serving in the Temple burning incense that his wife Elizabeth, who was barren, would have a child in their old age. The angel said his name would be John, and there would be much rejoicing and gladness, “And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” (Lk.1:16-17 esv) John would be the forerunner of Jesus, the Messiah and John’s cousin. He would lead people to repentance preparing the way for the Lord.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice upon arriving, the Bible says the baby leaped in her womb. Perhaps John was singing his own song meeting his aunt and cousin for the first time. Elizabeth was then filled with the Holy Spirit and started her song about the hope that was to come. ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!’ Elizabeth praised Mary’s faith and the child to be born to her. She realized through the Holy Spirit this must be the Messiah, the son of God for she said, “And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Lk.1:43 esv) Elizabath evidently knew of the prophet Isaiah’s words, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Is.7:14 esv) She was in the presence of her cousin Mary and yes, was impressed that Mary would visit her, but Elizabeth also in the presence of the Messiah, her savior.

Elizabeth’s song of hope introduces the savior who was coming into the world, born of a virgin as prophesized in Scripture. Her own child, John, perhaps also at the influence of the Holy Spirit leaped for joy at the coming savior. Although Elizabeth may not have been able to understand it all, she did realize the blessings she and her husband Zechariah were given and through the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth knew enough to break out in song. It was a song of praise to God and a song of hope for all people in the coming of the Messiah.

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Read: Luke 1:5-25, 39-45 ESV – Birth of John the Baptist Foretold – In – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders’ Work is Never Done” Godly Leadership: the book of Nehemiah

Loring Schultz

“So I purged out everything foreign and assigned tasks to the priests and Levites, making certain that each knew his work. I also made sure that the supply of wood for the altar and the first portions of the harvest were brought at the proper times. Remember this in my favor, O my God.” Nehemiah 13:30-31 NLT

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash
 

We have come to end of our study of godly leaders from the book of Nehemiah, but the work, unfortunately, for godly leaders never comes to an end. That is why godly leaders are needed in every facet of society. Last week we recalled the influence Nehemiah, Ezra, and the other leaders had on the people encouraging them and participating with them in the dedication of Jerusalem’s rebuilt walls. The people responded by celebrating and worshiping God. “Many sacrifices were offered on that joyous day, for God had given the people cause for great joy. The women and children also participated in the celebration, and the joy of the people of Jerusalem could be heard far away.” (Neh.12:43 nlt) You may have heard this saying, ‘when the cat’s away, the mice will play.’ Well, Nehemiah was away, back serving the king, and the people playfully went back to their old ways.

Before we are quick to condemn the people of Judah, we should look at ourselves in the mirror, me included. How many times have we repented our sins and past actions, only to repeat them when no one is around to notice. My point is that we need godly leaders around us to help us toe the line. Godly leaders are not perfect as we observed a few weeks back, but they are used by God and need our continue prayers.

Nehemiah may have received word of the turning back of the people while in Persia serving King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah had been back in Persia close to twelve years, enough time for the people to unravel a lot of the reforms that he had put in place. There was inter-marriage taking place again with foreigners. The children from these marriages could not speak the Hebrew language, but the languages of foreign nations. This command of separation from foreigners was for religious purposes and was not racial or political.

The Temple of God was being desecrated. Tobiah, an archenemy of the Jews, had now taken residence in the Temple courtyard where the articles for sacrifice were stored. Eliashib, a priest and supervisor of the storerooms in the Temple, was persuaded by Tobiah to provide accommodations for him while visiting Jerusalem. Tobiah used his influence as a relative to convince Eliashib to the point of moving out the articles for the Temple and bringing in Tobiah’s idols of worship.

In addition, the people neglected to support the priests and Levites who served in the Temple. As a result, they had to neglect their duties in the Temple and return to the fields to support themselves and their families. The Law of Sabbath was also being broken again. Work was being done, and business was transacted on the Sabbath day as any other day of the week.

As mentioned above, Nehemiah may have heard of what was taking place in Jerusalem. There was a reading from the book of Moses ‘on that same day.’ (Neh.13:1) This could have been the anniversary of the dedication of the wall years earlier. Notably, Ezra the scribe, was not present, but what he reinstated was still being carried on. The people may have drifted away, but not so far that they neglected the reading of the Word. Through this reading there was conviction. Perhaps, Nehemiah heard this and responded by coming back.

Nehemiah returned and put new reforms in place. His first act was throwing Tobiah out of the Temple storerooms with all his belongings. “I became very upset and threw all of Tobiah’s belongings out of the room.” (Neh.13:8 nlt) Nehemiah displayed the righteous anger Jesus displayed 450 years later, “Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves.” (Mt.21:12 nlt) Godly leaders should not be afraid and hold back righteous anger when it is called for. It needs to be on displayed, but in a godly way and according to God’s righteousness and justice. Nehemiah then performed a ceremonial cleaning in purifying the Temple storerooms.

The Levites were brought back into the Temple to perform their duties. Tithes were coming back into the Temple and the Levites were being supported for their work. Nehemiah appointed four men of good reputation as treasurers to oversee the distribution to the Levites. These overseers included a Priest, a Levite, a Scribe, and a lay person. A good model to follow today, honest people with different positions working together, and don’t forget the lay person.

Nehemiah then addressed the profaning of the Sabbath. He rebuked the people for working and conducting business on the Sabbath. He called out the nobles by saying to them, “Wasn’t it just this sort of thing that your ancestors did that caused our God to bring all this trouble upon us and our city? Now you are bringing even more wrath upon Israel by permitting the Sabbath to be desecrated in this way!” (Neh.13:18 nlt) Nehemiah commanded the gates to shut from sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday threatening violators with arrest if they continued to buy and sell on the Sabbath.

Lastly, and yes again, Nehemiah had to deal with the sin of inter-marriage with pagans. His response may seem a little harsh, but the cat is back, and the mice are guilty. “So I confronted them and called down curses on them. I beat some of them and pulled out their hair. I made them swear in the name of God that they would not let their children intermarry with the pagan people of the land. (Neh.13:25 nlt) Nehemiah’s actions were to prevent this sin from occurring again in the future. He reminded them Solomon was the wisest and most powerful king in the world, and he was brought down by the influence of his foreign wives. The same would happen to them if they continued in this practice.

As we can see, godly leaders are needed for there is always work to do. We could say it’s job security, but it takes the right individual. A godly leader is one who is above reproach, committed to God, and to His work, His justice, His leadership, and must have a desire to do everything for God’s glory. Nehemiah’s motive throughout his ministry was to please and serve God. Godly leaders know it’s not about them, but what God will do through them.

Read: Nehemiah 13 NLT – Nehemiah’s Various Reforms – On that – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders lead the people in dedicating and celebrating” Godly Leadership: the book of Nehemiah

Loring Schultz

“Many sacrifices were offered on that joyous day, for God had given the people cause for great joy. The women and children also participated in the celebration, and the joy of the people of Jerusalem could be heard far away.”

 
Photo by Zach Lucero on Unsplash

As we are nearing the close of our study in the book of Nehemiah on ‘godly leadership’ we are beginning to see a complete picture of those God places before us in leadership roles. We have seen their courage, wisdom, prayer life, planning and organizing, their justice, ability to stay focused and lead the people in spiritual matters. Part of the picture we noticed last week is with all these positive attributes, godly leaders are still human with sin a nature. But we also pointed out that true godly leaders confess their sins and help lead others into confession and repentance. This week we take another look at godly leaders leading.

Chapter 11 is another listing of those who were selected or volunteered to resettle in Jerusalem. We looked at this several weeks ago after the completion of the wall, but the resettlement was not yet complete. It was put on pause and now it has resumed. “The leaders of the people were living in Jerusalem, the holy city. A tenth of the people from the other towns of Judah and Benjamin were chosen by sacred lots to live there, too, while the rest stayed where they were. And the people commended everyone who volunteered to resettle in Jerusalem.” (Neh.11:1-2 nlt)

The city was populated with 10% of the Jews living in the surrounding cities and villages moving to Jerusalem. It is thought by one commentor that 10% represented a tithe of the people in not rejecting the house of God. This is very likely for chapter 10 ends by saying, “We promise together not to neglect the Temple of our God.” (Neh.10:39b nlt) The new residents were chosen by sacred lots that were cast. We call it throwing the dice and that is exactly what it is. But it’s not a lot by chance, but of the Lord. The Lord honored it, for it was His decision. Proverbs 16:33 says, “We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.” (nlt) Jerusalem now had a sizable population with those chosen and those who volunteered to resettle on their own in the holy city.

One final step was still to be taken, the dedication of the rebuilt walls that surrounded God’s city and the Temple of God. History doesn’t give us an exact date as to when the dedication took place. It is estimated that it could have been seventeen years or more after the completion of the walls. Dedication of buildings and projects are common in our day. Sometimes they occur in a timely manner, and then there are times when the wheels move slowly for whatever reason, and it is much later. Perhaps the wheels were a little slow in Jerusalem, but it was worth the wait.

Nehemiah along with Ezra and other leaders prepared and organized the dedication and the celebration that was to follow. They first called the Levites from around the land to come and participate. “They were to take part in the joyous occasion with their songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres.” (Neh.12:27b nlt) Music was an extremely important element of the dedication. We have witnessed in our day talented musicians and singers who are included in dedication ceremonies. The priests and Levites then went through a ritual of purification to remind them of God’s holiness and moral purity. “The priests and Levites first purified themselves; then they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.” (Neh.12:30 nlt)

Nehemiah then led the leaders to the top of the wall and organized two great choirs. Two processions would take place going in opposite directions on top of the wall, one led by Ezra and the other by Nehemiah. The order of each procession was Levitical singers first, then princes, followed by priests with trumpets, and last the Levites with stringed instruments. Ezra’s company going counterclockwise and Nehemiah’s company proceeding clockwise until they met and entered the Temple to offer sacrifices to the Lord. Just a follow-up note on the size of the wall and how wide it had to have been for that kind of procession to take place. And they completed that wall in 52 days. Amazing work through amazing leadership.

Imagine the site from the ground as the people watched and celebrated with the two processions encircling the wall leading to the worship service at the Temple. “Many sacrifices were offered on that joyous day, for God had given the people cause for great joy. The women and children also participated in the celebration, and the joy of the people of Jerusalem could be heard far away.” (Neh.12:43 nlt) The people continued to bring their offerings to support the priests, Levites, and the work of the Temple.

The godly leadership of Nehemiah, Ezra, the priests, and Levites is noticeably successful. The people responded with joy, and praise to God. They contributed to the work of the Lord. The people along with the leaders celebrated and worshiped God together.

It takes godly leadership to lead in a way that encourages others to come along side one another and do the Lord’s work. Godly leaders can’t do it all. The old saying, 20% of the people (leaders in this case) are doing 80% of the work is not an effective way to do ministry. It needs to be 100%. It takes all of us today to accomplish God’s redemptive plan. May we pray for leaders to lead by inspiring and encouraging those under their care to work towards the building of the kingdom of God. That will be a celebration!

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Read: Nehemiah 12:27-47 NLT – Dedication of Jerusalem’s Wall – For – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders lead the people in confession and repentance” Godly Leadership: the book of Nehemiah

Loring Schultz

“The people responded, ‘In view of all this, we are making a solemn promise and putting it in writing. On this sealed document are the names of our leaders and Levites and priests.’ The document was ratified and sealed with the following names: The governor: Nehemiah son of Hacaliah, and also Zedekiah.” Nehemiah 9:38-10:1 NLT

 
Photo by Papaioannou Kostas on Unsplash

The walls and gates around Jerusalem were completed, the enemies of the Jews have backed off, the city has been repopulated, worship was restored, and the festivals commanded by the Lord were taking place, but there was some unfinished business to take care of. The people were deeply convicted of their sin as we learned last week in chapter 8, but there was no formal acknowledgement and confession. Nehemiah chapter 9 opens with, “On October 31 the people assembled again, and this time they fasted and dressed in burlap and sprinkled dust on their heads.” (Neh.9:1 nlt) Christians at times resemble the Jews here in Nehemiah. We are convicted of sin but continue to go along without dealing with it or we just go through the motions hoping that feeling will go away. It needs to be dealt with, and the people of Israel understood this and the leaders to action in leading them.

The Levites led the reading of God’s Word for three hours followed by three hours of confessing their sins and worshiping God. Confession of sin is an act of worship to a holy God, praising Him, as we confess, for His forgiveness and restoring us as if we have never sinned. Coming before Him with the right attitude, humbling ourselves is a manner of worship. The Jews had fasted beforehand and covered themselves with dust dressing in burlap. They had shown their distress over their sin. We don’t need to go that far today, but that same attitude can and should be expressed through prayer and fasting.

The Jews separated themselves from all foreigners as they confessed their sins, which was a very hard thing to do. Some of these foreigners were heathen women which God had commanded not to intermingle with. They were now married to them and possibly had children. Sin has a way of complicating our lives in a way we never thought possible. There is an old saying, ‘Sin will take you further than you wanted to go, keep you longer than you wanted to be kept, and cost you more than you wanted to spend.’  Once entangled in sin, the only way out is complete confession and repentance to the Lord.

The Levites led a prayer to God on behalf of the people. (Neh.9:5-37) The prayer begins by acknowledging God’s greatness and majesty, a good place for us to start when we pray. They continued with reciting Israel’s history from the Abrahamic covenant to their time in Egypt and the wandering in the wilderness, through the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land, through the judges, the prophets, and up to the present situation. God’s on-going goodness to Israel is noted along with each time throughout history their fathers disobeyed and sinned against God and now the present generation has done the same.

The people were yearning for that same goodness God had shown to their father’s generation by responding, “In view of all this, we are making a solemn promise and putting it in writing.” (Neh.9:38a nlt) They were making an appeal for a new covenant agreeing to follow God’s Laws. The leaders, priests, and Levites signed the document, “On this sealed document are the names of our leaders and Levites and priests The document was ratified and sealed with the following names: The governor: Nehemiah son of Hacaliah, and also Zedekiah.” (Neh.9:38b 10:1 nlt) The godly leaders took the first step and put their names on the document of confession and promised repentance. It is sad, but some of them were also guilty of the same sins, but they led in a godly manner of confession and repentance before the people.

Godly leaders today can fall into sin as we are often reminded. Their true character will come to light even more so in how they respond to their downfall. Is there full confession and repentance or are there excuses and cover-ups that eventually cause them to disappear from the scene? Our pastors and spiritual leaders need our constant daily prayers. Satan does not rest but is continually scheming to bring them down.

The leaders in Jerusalem set an honest godly example for the people who “joined their leaders and bound themselves with an oath. They swore a curse on themselves if they failed to obey the Law of God as issued by his servant Moses. They solemnly promised to carefully follow all the commands, regulations, and decrees of the LORD our Lord.” (Neh.10:29 nlt) They agreed not to intermarry with non-Jewish people. They agreed to keep the Sabbath free from commercial activity, support the Sabbatical year, and to support the needs of the Temple.

The book of Nehemiah is filled with examples of godly leadership, all in which are applicable for our day, but as mentioned above some of them did fall. They led the people into sin by either ignoring the sins they had seen being committed or the people followed their lead. Either way, we need to remember we are all sinners. That is not a reason to excuse the sin or dismiss the sinner, but to pray for confession and repentance. May godly leaders continue to lead the way.

Read: Nehemiah 9-10 NLT – The People Confess Their Sins – On – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders Study and Teach God’s Word” Godly Leadership: the book of Nehemiah

Loring Schultz

“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” Ezra 7:10 ESV

“They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.” Nehemiah 8:8 NLT

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

A new character is introduced this week, Ezra the scribe. Ezra is first mentioned in the book of Nehemiah in chapter 8 after the completion of the walls, but he had returned from Babylon 14 years before Nehemiah. He had led the second return of exiles safely back to Jerusalem. Herbert Lockyer in his book ‘All the Men of the Bible’ describes Ezra as “A man of deep humility and self-denial. A man of great learning with a fervent zeal for God’s honor. A man of great trustworthiness. A man anxious to commend his cause to others. A man who knew how to pray. A man deeply grieved over the sins of his people. A man who spared no pain to bring the people to repentance.” (1) Ezra will lead the reading of Law but before we get there, we don’t want to overlook chapter 7.

Jerusalem at this time was scarcely populated. Nehemiah took immediate action to repopulate the city. Nehemiah found the genealogical record of the first exiles to return. This record was compiled by Ezra back in Babylon although he was not part of the first return. Nehemiah called the nobles, the leaders of the city, and all citizens to come and register with the genealogical record. This would ensure a pure ancestry in the city of Jerusalem. “So the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the Temple servants, and some of the common people settled near Jerusalem. The rest of the people returned to their own towns throughout Israel.” (Neh.7:73 nlt)

The repopulated city gathered on October 8, 444 B.C. New Years Day on the civil calendar known as the Feast of Trumpets. Ezra was asked to bring the book of the Law of Moses to be read for all who were assembled in the square. “Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet.” (Neh.8:5 nlt) The people stood in honor of God’s Word as Ezra read it. Some churches today observed that as well.

There are other godly leaders represented here in chapter 8 besides Ezra and Nehemiah, and that would be the Levites. The Levites were assistants to the priests and were also teachers of the Law. They helped explain the Law that was being read to the people for better understanding. The Levites also likely translated the words from Hebrew into Aramaic, the only language most of the people knew, due to being in Babylon for seventy years. There is a great need for godly leaders today to help others in understanding Scripture. The Holy Spirit will certainly guide you into all truth as you read the Bible, but we are all called to study Scripture for our own spiritual growth and be able to teach others. God doesn’t inspect us to be Pastors or teachers in a professional sense but to know enough to be able to give an answer for the hope you have inside you.  

When the people began to fully understand the Scripture that was being read to them, there was much sorrow over their sin that they began to weep. They were truly convicted. “Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, ‘Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God.’” (Neh.8:9 nlt) The people should be rejoicing that they know and understand God’s Word. The Lord had not destroyed them as a nation, and they are on the verge of a new beginning. This called for a celebration and Nehemiah led the way by encouraging them to celebrate with food, sweet drinks, and sharing with others. “And the Levites, too, quieted the people, telling them, ‘Hush! Don’t weep! For this is a sacred day.’” (Neh.8:11 nlt)

The reading of the God’s Word sparked a revival among all the people, but especially the priests, Levites and the family leaders. They met with Ezra for greater detail of the Law. It seems evident they were studying the Law and were concerned about the Feasts of Tabernacles that was approaching. Ezra explained what was to be done, and all the people did as they were instructed. It had been a long time since Israel as nation celebrated in accordance with the Law and great joy.

Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Levites shown godly leadership in providing what the people needed most at this time, and that was the renewing of the covenant with God. God’s Word was given and explained convicting the hearts of the people to repentance. There was the repopulating of the Holy city and the reestablishing of worship. Godly leaders build a solid foundation with the Lord by prayer, studying His Word, living out that Word, and teaching it. The good hand of the Lord will always be upon them. It is noted that Ezra also had the good hand of the Lord on him as Nehemiah did as he traveled from Babylon to Jerusalem, “For on the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylonia, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him.” (Ezra7:9 esv) God’s good hand is on all leaders who are devoted to Him and lead in a godly way. May God raise up many more godly leaders in our day and in the days to come.

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Read: Nehemiah 7:73-8:18 NLT – So the priests, the Levites, the – Bible Gateway

(1) Lockyer, Herbert. All the Men of the Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1958. Pg. 118

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders are not Distracted or Intimidated” Godly Leadership: the book of Nehemiah

Loring Schultz

“So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono……Remember, O my God, all the evil things that Tobiah and Sanballat have done. And remember Noadiah the prophet and all the prophets like her who have tried to intimidate me.” Nehemiah 6:2a, 14 NLT

Photo by Lukáš Kačaliak on Unsplash

When time is running out and efforts to put a plan in place are fading as days go by, one gets desperate. This was the case with Nehemiah’s enemies, Sanballat, Tobia, Geshem, and others outside Jerusalem who had tried to put a stop to the rebuilding of the walls around the city. The wall itself was now completed and the finishing work of installing the doors in the gates was about to start. An all-out, last-ditch effort was made by the opposition to not only stop the work but to eliminate Nehemiah.

Sanballat, Tobia, and Geshem realized they could not stop them by force since Nehemiah had put in place defensive and offensive strategies to protect the on-going work and provide safety to the workers. Their enemies then went to a plan of deception.  “So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But I realized they were plotting to harm me.” (Neh.6:2 nlt) Cleverly Nehemiah was given the option of choosing one the villages in the plain of Ono to have this conference. The idea was to present it as a safe place, but Nehemiah saw through that refusing to go and sending a message back.

Nehemiah knew of a possible threat on his life, but more important to him was the total completion of the walls and gates surrounding Jerusalem. He was not going to let anything distract him from completing the job. Nehemiah replied with a great answer, “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” (Neh.6:3 nlt) In a subtle way, Nehemiah let them know he knew this meeting was only to stop the work. Ono was seven miles from Jerusalem and was the most western part of the Jewish resettlement after retuning from captivity. He was not going to let the work be compromised by leaving it to attend a meeting. Nehemiah knew what was up and wasn’t going to let it distract him.

Christians need constant awareness of distractions that come our way which seem innocent enough, but they are deceiving. Anything that keeps us from finishing what the Lord had us start must be carefully examined to ensure it’s not a trap by the evil one to stop us. Opposition will always come in some form when doing a work for God, you can count on it. Don’t get distracted.

Sanballat and the rest of his crew were persistent in sending the same message four times. But Nehemiah was just as persistent in sending the same reply four times. When this latest plan failed to stop the work, they came up with another one. “The fifth time, Sanballat’s servant came with an open letter in his hand.” (Neh.6:5 nlt) Official correspondence in those days would be written on a papyrus or leather sheet. It would be rolled up and sealed for authenticity, and it was meant for the recipient. This letter that was sent was an open letter. It was an insult to Nehemiah as the governor for Sanballat wanted the entire public to know about it. Our government officials today use the same tactics in the form of leaks to the public through unnamed sources to news and media outlets. The news was meant to be damning to Nehemiah’s reputation. It insinuated he would lead the Jews in revolt against the king of Persia and install himself as king after the city was fully secured. There is always an element of some truth in false statements to make them believable. Nehemiah did have a deep love for Jerusalem, and he was a great leader, but these allegations were obviously lies in which Nehemiah quickly condemned and called them out on it. He then continued the work with greater determination. “They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.” (Neh.6:9 nlt)

The enemy was not yet done. Just as Satan and his minions always tries to get one last shot at us today, he did the same through Shemaiah, a false prophet. Shemaiah tried to persuade Nehemiah to seek shelter in the temple. He told him there was a threat to his life, a half-truth. The threat was not outside, but inside. Nehemiah knew that seeking protection in the Temple area at the alter of asylum was permissible, but to go into the holy place in the Temple of God as a layman was a sin. Shemaiah was seeking to either kill his reputation by having him sin against God in front of the people because of his cowardice or he was planning the kill Nehemiah himself.  Either way, Nehemiah again knew of the deception once Shemaiah tried to convince him to hide in the Temple of God. He also knew Sanballat and Tobia had hired him. “They were hoping to intimidate me and make me sin. Then they would be able to accuse and discredit me.” (Neh.6:13 nlt) Nehemiah’s reputation and the morale of the people were at stake if he fell to the deception.

Through Nehemiah’s godly leadership with the people responding with a mind to work, and the help of God, the wall around the city was rebuilt in just fifty-two days. “So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.” (Neh.6:15-16 nlt) The threats, distractions, and intimidation had no effect on Nehemiah and as a result the work was finished. This would make a good ending to the story of Nehemiah’s godly leadership, but we are only at the half-way point. The work never stops. The rest is yet to come.

Read: Nehemiah 6:1-7:3 NLT – Continued Opposition to Rebuilding – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders Administer Justice, are Generous, and Lead by Example” Godly Leadership: the book of Nehemiah

Loring Schultz

“When I heard their complaints, I was very angry……You must restore their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and homes to them this very day. And repay the interest you charged when you lent them money, grain, new wine, and olive oil.” Nehemiah 5:6, 11 NLT

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As we come to chapter 5, this is a passage in Scripture that seems to be misplaced chronologically. When Nehemiah was sent to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls he was also installed as governor by King Artaxerxes. It is suggested by some commentators that the events of chapter 5 take place later in Nehemiah’s first twelve years as governor rather than when the walls were being rebuilt. But then there are others who think not. To me, it does seem it fits better later in Nehemiah’s first stay in Jerusalem as governor, and I will work from that viewpoint in this week’s insight. Whether at the time of rebuilding the walls or later in his governorship, Nehemiah exhibits a godly leader who administers justice, is generous, and leads by example.

Some of the men of Judah, along with their wives, raised a cry of protest against their fellow Jews. They were being taken advantage of due to financial hardship. There had been a famine in the land sometime earlier and many needed to sell their farmlands and homes for food to survive and borrowed money to pay their taxes to the Persian king. (Neh.5:3-4) Of course the wealthy saw an opportunity to make themselves richer and bought up property and loaned out money with interest against the Law of Moses. Some of the poor sold their sons and daughters to the nobles as slaves to make payments on their debt. The rich got richer, and the poor got poorer. I think we can identify with that even in our day.

When Nehemiah heard their cry, he was filled with righteous anger. “When I heard their complaints, I was very angry.” (Neh.5:6 nlt) Nehemiah reacted quickly to the injustice that was occurring to his Jewish brothers and sisters who were under his leadership. He called in the nobles, (the wealthy) who had taken advantage of this plight to the poor and brought charges against them. He then called a public meeting and said, ‘“We are doing all we can to redeem our Jewish relatives who have had to sell themselves to pagan foreigners, but you are selling them back into slavery again. How often must we redeem them?’ And they had nothing to say in their defense.” (Neh.5:8 nlt) Nehemiah reminded them that he and others were working towards buying back those who sold themselves as slaves and ended up in the hands of pagan foreigners. And now the nobles were selling them back again into slavery, their Jewish brethren. After Nehemiah’s rebuke there was silence among the rich and famous in Jerusalem. Their greed was uncovered. Justice was about to be restored.

Nehemiah commanded the nobles to restore all the property they had confiscated and to return the money they collected in interest payments. They responded, “We will give back everything and demand nothing more from the people. We will do as you say.” (Neh.5:12a nlt) This was followed by Nehemiah’s insistence that their promise be confirmed with an oath. “Then I called the priests and made the nobles and officials swear to do what they had promised.” (Neh.5:12b nlt) Nehemiah shook out the folds of his robe signifying God will shake them if they break their oath. “The whole assembly responded, ‘Amen,’ and they praised the LORD. And the people did as they had promised.” (Neh.5:13b nlt) One commentator noted, “The Cancellation of the debt had unifying effects.” Acting and correcting an injustice enabling the wrongdoers to see the error of their ways and planting a seed for unity is the mark of a godly leader.

Nehemiah was not only an administrator of justice, but he was a generous man. Here is where we see Nehemiah’s first term as governor. “For the entire twelve years that I was governor of Judah—from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of the reign of King Artaxerxes—neither I nor my officials drew on our official food allowance.” (Neh.5:14 nlt) Nehemiah served for twelve years as governor before being called back to Susa by the king. It is noted Nehemiah did not take anything that he was entitled to as governor. He took no salary and accepted no food allowance. It should be also noted that Nehemiah was a very wealthy man drawing a substantial salary for being King Artaxerxes cupbearer. But nonetheless, governors before him took what they were entitled to, Nehemiah did not. He also had the right to collect taxes for himself, but again, he chose not to. He did not want to put an extra burden on the people.

Governors were expected to entertain diplomats from other territories on an on-going basis. All the provisions for these eloquent banquets were paid for by Nehemiah himself. He also fed all his officials every day from his own personal account. I think it is safe to say there are not many leaders today who show that kind of generosity. To be fair, there have been some leaders in recent history who did accept their salary, forgoing it to serve the people. But there are others who are only interested in gaining as much wealth as they kind. Nehemiah is an example of a leader truly in it to serve the people.

Last for this week, an additional insight of Nehemiah’s leading by example. “I also devoted myself to working on the wall and refused to acquire any land. And I required all my servants to spend time working on the wall.” (Neh.5:16 nlt) Nehemiah was alongside the workers in rebuilding the walls. He also had all his servants participate in the work. Nehemiah set the example that he would not ask anyone to do something he was not willing to do himself. That is another mark of a true godly leader. Overall, Nehemiah set an unselfish example for all the people. From administering justice, to his generous spirit, and to his willingness to put his hands to work, Nehemiah is an example much needed among our leaders today. May we pray for more Nehemiah’s in leadership, and may we pray for a little of Nehemiah in ourselves.

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Read: Nehemiah 5 NLT – Nehemiah Defends the Oppressed – About – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders are Organized, Motivated and Diligent” Godly Leadership: the book of Nehemiah

Loring Schultz

“At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm……So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.” Nehemiah 4:6, 13 NLT

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The work of rebuilding the walls in Jerusalem is starting to take place here in chapters 3 & 4 in the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah had completed his prep work. He has the authorization from the king to rebuild, the materials have been provided, Nehemiah had done a walk around the city surveying the damage noting the work that needed to be done, and most importantly, he had the good hand of the Lord upon him.

Chapter 3 details the beginning of the work. Eight gates are noted to be repaired along with their attached sections and specifically who was responsible for the rebuilding of that portion of the wall. This building project include all classes of people; priests, rulers, goldsmiths, the common laity, women, and merchants were motivated to work on rebuilding the wall. No doubt they were motivated by their leader Nehemiah who was organizing the workers in a way that would cover every inch around the city wall. The rebuilding began at the northeast corner of the city moving counterclockwise. Some of the workers were assigned to sections in front of their own homes. I’m sure extra careful effort would be made on that portion of the wall for the protection of their family. Nehemiah was also aware that it would take all the people to be motivated, not just the leaders, to get the job done. Nehemiah’s example of motivation is still used today in many business models in boosting moral in the workplace.

The work was progressing, but now so was the opposition to it. “Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews.” (Neh.4:1 nlt) The first attempt by Nehemiah’s enemies was to humiliate the people and their work. They tried to make them feel subconscious in their efforts, eventually quitting. “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” (Neh.4:2 nlt) Nehemiah didn’t waste any time. He quickly called out to the God of heaven for help. He didn’t insult his mockers or resort to physical means but prayed to God who brought him this far. Dr. John MacArthur notes, “Nehemiah’s dependence of God is never more evident than in his prayer.” Nehemiah is again displaying his godly leadership in recognizing God as the true leader.

The motivation and organizational skills Nehemiah displayed paid off as the wall was erected to half its height “for the people had worked with enthusiasm.” (Neh.4:6b nlt) Sanballat, Tobiah, and the rest of Nehemiah’s enemies now with a new addition, the Ashdodites from the western side of Jerusalem, were about to unveil plan B. Jerusalem was now completely surrounded by those in opposition to the rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. And “They all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion.” (Neh.4:8 nlt)

Nehemiah was diligent in leading the people in prayer (Neh.4:9) and securing a plan for readiness in case of attack. He placed guards around the city day and night. But discouragement was setting in from overwork and fear of attack. And when the people gazed at the debris to be cleared out, they were beginning to become overwhelmed. “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.” (Neh.4:10 nlt) This is good example for modern-day Christians to observe. There are times when our spiritual walls of protection are destroyed and lie in ruins due to our sin. Among the debris and ruins of the wall is the rubble and broken pillars of sin we have allowed in our life causing our spiritual wall to collapse. It may be a daunting task, but our sin must first be cleaned up and discarded before we start to rebuild those spiritual walls.

The Jews were getting full warnings of a planned attack when they least expect it, but it was imminent. Nehemiah went into action to protect the people and to see to it that the work would continue. He placed guards at the lowest and most vulnerable spots on the wall. When rebuilding our own spiritual walls, we will have low spots that need protection so that we don’t slip back into sin. Be aware and stand guard. Satan does not want your walls built back up. Nehemiah stationed families together behind the wall in open spaces with weapons for protection. Families would be together protecting each other and seeing their portion of the wall rebuilt. We also need family support in rebuilding our spiritual walls, don’t try to do it alone. Nehemiah now exhorts everyone by saying, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” (Neh.4:14b nlt)

The Jews’ enemies realized that God frustrated their plans just as they tried to upend the Jews work on the wall. They gave up on plan B. But Nehemiah did not let up. He took the time to better secure the work area and the protection of the people. Nehemiah cut his workforce in half by installing half of them as guards while the other half continued to build the wall with a weapon close at hand. The leaders were positioned behind the workers and were prepared to lead the response if attacked. A trumpeter was always alongside Nehemiah to sound the alarm for all to hear and help wherever there was trouble. The people willing followed Nehemiah working sunrise to sunset, staying in the city protecting it every night and each other not even taking time to change their clothes. Godly leaders who are organized, motivated, and diligent will accomplish much in whatever they are charged to do and will have the support of those behind them.

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Read: Nehemiah 3-4 NLT – Rebuilding the Wall of Jerusalem – Then – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders are Discerning” Godly leadership: the book of Nehemiah

Loring Schultz

“So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later, I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem.” Nehemiah 2:11-12 NLT

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash  

There are many fine people put into leadership due to a certain skill, high academic scores, a knowledge of the business, organization, or government department, or possess a charismatic personality. But one thing they lack is a discerning spirit. Having good judgement, being perceptive, seeking out facts, being discriminate and determined is vital in assuming a leadership role. Any company, organization, or government department that is failing or not able to get off the ground, you will find one or more of these ‘discerning’ qualities missing in the leadership.

We’re focusing on Godly Leadership in our weekly study of Nehemiah. Week one we noted godly leaders have a life of prayer, and last week we saw the importance of being prepared. This week we will see how Nehemiah’s discernment helped him to prepare for the task in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. We start where we left off last week which is really the key to all of Nehemiah’s success, ‘the gracious hand of God was upon him.’

Nehemiah received the approval from King Artaxerxes to go to Jerusalem and start the project of restoring the city beginning with rebuilding the walls. He was given a military escort as Nehemiah was an official in the king’s court and was doing the king’s business. The king also supplied letters to be given to the governors of the region explaining Nehemiah’s mission. The Lord had moved the king’s heart to be sympathetic towards Nehemiah and his people, the Jews living in Jerusalem. King Artaxerxes arranged safe passage and for the materials needed to do the work. Christians today need to be reminded that the same Lord can move the hearts of our Presidents, Prime Ministers, and other leaders across the world to be sympathetic towards Christians and the mission of the gospel if we pray for the good hand of the Lord to be upon us.

So, Nehemiah arrived safely in the region and presented the king’s letters to the governing authorities who were not very pleased with the news. “But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of my arrival, they were very displeased that someone had come to help the people of Israel.” (Neh.2:10 nlt) Sanballat, whose ancestors had governed over Samaria for over 100 years felt threatened that his rule might end. Tobiah, governor of Ammon, who ruled east of the Jordan felt the same way. Nehemiah had opposition at the very beginning of the task the Lord had called him to do. You can be sure when God calls you to a special assignment for Him there will be opposition. The evil one will do all he can to discourage you from the beginning, but that is confirmation it is work the Lord wants you to do. Pray for the Lord’s good hand upon you.

Nehemiah was aware what was ahead of him in more ways than one. His immediate concern was coming up with a strategy for where to begin and how to inform the people and elders in Jerusalem of his plans. It’s interesting Nehemiah didn’t immediately go into the city and declare his intentions. In fact, when he did arrive, he stayed put for three days before doing anything. Then he went out in the darkness of night to survey what was before him. “I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem.” (Neh.2:12 nlt) Nehemiah was carefully assessing the situation with great discernment. At this point, the fewer people that knew about his plans the better, especially with the early opposition he had already received.

After surveying the damage and seeing how defenseless the city was, Nehemiah was now ready to speak to the people about his intentions.  “But now I said to them, ‘You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!’” (Neh.2:17 nlt) The city was in its current state of ruins for over 150 years. It’s apparent the people, even the elders, grew complacent with their surroundings. One commentator noted that it took someone from the outside to wake them up. We at times get comfortable where we are at, not realizing that our defenses, our walls of protection are broken down allowing easy access for sin to enter our lives. There are times when we all need a wake-up call.

Nehemiah confided in them how the Lord’s hand was upon him and how He moved the heart the king to let him go providing safe passage and materials to begin the work. The people were encouraged when they heard of God’s protection on Nehemiah and how He moved the king’s heart to act on their behalf. They were excited to start the work, finally realizing how vulnerable they had been to being attacked with no walls of protection. “They replied at once, ‘Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!’ So they began the good work.” (Neh.2:18b nlt)

Of course, the opposition continued with another ruler, Geshem of Northwest Arabia, joining Sanballat and Tobia. Nehemiah was now surrounded by enemies on the North, East, and South. But the good hand of the Lord was on Nehemiah, and he knew it. Nehemiah had asked God for success in approaching the king on what he was inspired to do, and the Lord answered. Nehemiah was confident God will continue to protect him, the workers, and the work of rebuilding the walls.

Godly leaders are discerning in any decision they make, large or small. They do not jump in headfirst, no matter what their experience, talent, or education tells them. They are careful to ensure all the bases are covered and every option is thought through, and that the good hand of the Lord is upon them.

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Read: Nehemiah 2:9-20 NLT – When I came to the governors of the – Bible Gateway