Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24).

Today’s Hymn

Isaac Watts

Words: Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David, 1719.

Perhaps one of the most interesting occasions on which this hymn was used was that on which King George, the sable, of the South Sea Islands, but of blessed memory, gave a new constitution to his people, exchanging a heathen for a Christian form of government. Under the spreading branches of the banyan trees sat some thousand natives from Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa, on Whitsunday, 1862, assembled for Divine worship. Foremost amongst them all sat King George himself. Around him were seated old chiefs and warriors who had shared with him the dangers and for­tunes of many a battle—men whose eyes were dim, and whose powerful frames were bowed down with the weight of years. But old and young alike rejoiced together in the joys of that day, their faces most of them radiant with Christian joy, love, and hope. It would be impossible to describe the deep feeling manifested when the solemn service began, by the entire audience singing Dr. Watts’ hymn…

Who so much as they could realize the full meaning of the poet’s words? For they had been rescued from the darkness of heathenism and cannibalism and they were that day met for the first time under a Christian constitution, under a Christian king, and with Christ Himself reigning in the hearts of most of those present. That was indeed Christ’s kingdom set up in the earth.

Notes on the Methodist Hymn Book, by G. J. Stevenson

JESUS SHALL REIGN
Click here for tune.

Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Does his successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

Behold the islands with their kings,
And Europe her best tribute brings;
From north to south the princes meet,
To pay their homage at His feet.

There Persia, glorious to behold,
There India shines in eastern gold;
And barbarous nations at His word
Submit, and bow, and own their Lord.

To Him shall endless prayer be made,
And praises throng to crown His head;
His name like sweet perfume shall rise
With every morning sacrifice.

People and realms of every tongue
Dwell on His love with sweetest song;
And infant voices shall proclaim
Their early blessings on His name.

Blessings abound where’er He reigns;
The prisoner leaps to lose his chains;
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blessed.

Where He displays His healing power,
Death and the curse are known no more:
In Him the tribes of Adam boast
More blessings than their father lost.

Let every creature rise and bring
Peculiar honors to our King;
Angels descend with songs again,
And earth repeat the loud amen!

Thought Provoker

Have you heard the old saying, “While the cat’s away the mice will play”? Ask your children if they know the spiritual significance of this phrase. Obedience can either come joyfully from the heart or through fear of consequence. If there is no inward delight to obey, when the source of fear is removed, the mice will play! It’s when the teacher leaves the classroom that pandemonium frequently breaks out. It is when the boss steps out for a few moments that work comes to a standstill. After the completion of the walls along with the reformation of God’s people, Nehemiah returned to his job as cupbearer for King Artaxerses of Babylon as promised (v. 6). In Nehemiah’s absence the city went into a spiritual nosedive including priestly laxity, neglect of tithes, breaking of the Sabbath, and intermarriage with pagan women. In this chapter Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem to serve a second term as governor and bring further reformation.

Dad’s Study

How had things changed in Nehemiah’s absence?
* Nehemiah’s enemy, Tobiah, had been given a large room in the temple by Eliashib (vs. 4-5). The house of God had been infiltrated by the enemy of God! How did Nehemiah respond (v. 8)?
* The people stopped tithing, forcing the temple singers to return to their fields (v. 10). How did Nehemiah respond (v. 11)?
* The Fourth Commandment was openly broken (vs. 15-22). Both Jew and Gentile alike were selling their wares on the Sabbath (vs. 15-16). How did Nehemiah respond (v. 19-21)?
* Contrary to the law of God (Deut. 7:1-5; Ex. 34:12-16), the people continued to enter into mixed marriages (vs. 23-29). What strong action did Nehemiah take against the offenders (vs. 25-28)?

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Parents, schools, and even churches can make you outwardly comply with the will of God, but only a new heart can cause you to delight in doing God’s will. Are you doing spiritual things because you have to or because you want to? What happens when external authority is removed from your life? If you have been graced with a new heart you will continue to attend church, read the Scriptures, pray, tithe, and observe the Lord’s day. If you are serving out of duty and fear you will fall away when the authority is removed from your life. Where is your delight today? Is it your passion to worship with God’s people? Do you hunger and thirst after righteousness? Do you long to know God through His Word and prayer? Is the Lord’s Day joyfully set aside unto God? How is your spiritual heart today? Is it alive in Christ? If not, repent of your own self-righteousness, and in faith, flee to the merciful arms of Christ.

Catechism

Question 56

Q. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment forbids the taking away of our own life (Acts 16:28), or the life of our neighbour unjustly (Gen. 9:6), or whatever tends to it (Pr. 24:11,12).

Cause us, O God, to rejoice always in Thee, for in Thy presence is fullness of joy; yes, Thou alone art my exceeding joy.

Today’s Hymn

Isaac Watts

Words: Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David, 1719.

Perhaps one of the most interesting occasions on which this hymn was used was that on which King George, the sable, of the South Sea Islands, but of blessed memory, gave a new constitution to his people, exchanging a heathen for a Christian form of government. Under the spreading branches of the banyan trees sat some thousand natives from Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa, on Whitsunday, 1862, assembled for Divine worship. Foremost amongst them all sat King George himself. Around him were seated old chiefs and warriors who had shared with him the dangers and for­tunes of many a battle—men whose eyes were dim, and whose powerful frames were bowed down with the weight of years. But old and young alike rejoiced together in the joys of that day, their faces most of them radiant with Christian joy, love, and hope. It would be impossible to describe the deep feeling manifested when the solemn service began, by the entire audience singing Dr. Watts’ hymn…

Who so much as they could realize the full meaning of the poet’s words? For they had been rescued from the darkness of heathenism and cannibalism and they were that day met for the first time under a Christian constitution, under a Christian king, and with Christ Himself reigning in the hearts of most of those present. That was indeed Christ’s kingdom set up in the earth.

Notes on the Methodist Hymn Book, by G. J. Stevenson

JESUS SHALL REIGN
Click here for tune.

Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Does his successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

Behold the islands with their kings,
And Europe her best tribute brings;
From north to south the princes meet,
To pay their homage at His feet.

There Persia, glorious to behold,
There India shines in eastern gold;
And barbarous nations at His word
Submit, and bow, and own their Lord.

To Him shall endless prayer be made,
And praises throng to crown His head;
His name like sweet perfume shall rise
With every morning sacrifice.

People and realms of every tongue
Dwell on His love with sweetest song;
And infant voices shall proclaim
Their early blessings on His name.

Blessings abound where’er He reigns;
The prisoner leaps to lose his chains;
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blessed.

Where He displays His healing power,
Death and the curse are known no more:
In Him the tribes of Adam boast
More blessings than their father lost.

Let every creature rise and bring
Peculiar honors to our King;
Angels descend with songs again,
And earth repeat the loud amen!

Thought Provoker

Have you ever attended a dedication ceremony? (Types of dedication ceremonies could be for a new building, a new community program or the inauguration of the President). What are some words that describe what took place in these ceremonies? (E.g. solemn, organized, music, dignified, food, long, party atmosphere, foolish, etc.). Did the dedication ceremony inspire, create a sense of pride in accomplishment, or cause you to feel contempt for the thing being dedicated? The last part of Nehemiah 12 tells us about the dedication ceremony the Israelites had after the completion of the walls around Jerusalem. Maybe we can compare what we have experienced at dedication ceremonies with this account.

Dad’s Study

Verses 1-26 account for 22 of the 24 heads of households from the Levites and priests over nearly a 100-year span of time. While the names may have little significance to us, they are, and there are two worthwhile thoughts to consider. The first is the faithfulness of these leaders. It must have been difficult to maintain their purity and that of their succeeding generations in a foreign land in a time of God’s judgment. That they are listed here is testimony of lasting fruit. More significant is the faithfulness of God. He sent Israel into captivity as judgment for their rebellion against Him. While a century is a relatively short time (from an eternity perspective), these names represent God’s work not only to judge, but also to restore His children. The remainder of the chapter details the dedication of the rebuilt wall around Jerusalem. Before the dedication ceremony, verses 27-30 say the priests and people prepared for the dedication by purifying themselves, the gates and the walls. Nehemiah organized a choir (31-42) that would give praise to God from atop the walls as they marched from opposite directions, ending their procession at the Temple. Notice the response of the people in verse 43 and the repeated use of the word joy. Finally, verses 44-47 record the Israelites’ initial response and resolve to God. Did the dedication of the walls have lasting results in how the Israelites lived? Find the answer tomorrow in Nehemiah 13.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

From this chapter what can we say that worship of God could be like? Here are four matters to consider; your thoughts and discussion may add many others or reflect a different emphasis:

• They purified themselves before engaging in praise, v. 30. How do I prepare to worship God? (Do I make any preparation at all, or has “going to church” become as routine as “going to work” or “going to school”?)

• They participated in worship. Verse 43 says they offered “great sacrifices.” While the greatest and last sacrifice has been offered in Jesus Christ’s atonement (and we can add nothing more), what would be necessary in order for me to offer myself as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1-2)? Do you think the singers just showed up on the day of dedication, or do you think they rehearsed until they could skillfully sing (and with gusto, v. 42!) and march in procession? What can I do to become a better skilled worshiper of almighty God?

• They made provision for the continuation of worship. Some were appointed special responsibilities (v. 44) and at this time, they “kept the charges” (v. 45). Have I been faithful to responsibilities (assumed or appointed)? Are there responsibilities I can bring assistance to another who is already heavily burdened?

• The source of their joy in worship was God (v. 43). Nehemiah recognized that this rejoicing in joy could not be “stirred up” by man’s invention or emotion. He declared that God was the cause of their rejoicing. How often do I attempt to worship God “in the flesh,” by my own ability, instead of “by His Spirit”?

Pastor Jim Covington, Bell Gardens, CA

Catechism

Question 56

Q. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment forbids the taking away of our own life (Acts 16:28), or the life of our neighbour unjustly (Gen. 9:6), or whatever tends to it (Pr. 24:11,12).

Father of all creation, we marvel how you have caused the nations’ population to increase in these last days. We pray that many will be saved. We ask that the Lord of the harvest raise up workers to go into the dark recesses of the inner cities. May your infinite blessing be upon those city churches that are faithfully holding up Your banner of grace. Amen

Today’s Hymn

Isaac Watts

Words: Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David, 1719.

Perhaps one of the most interesting occasions on which this hymn was used was that on which King George, the sable, of the South Sea Islands, but of blessed memory, gave a new constitution to his people, exchanging a heathen for a Christian form of government. Under the spreading branches of the banyan trees sat some thousand natives from Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa, on Whitsunday, 1862, assembled for Divine worship. Foremost amongst them all sat King George himself. Around him were seated old chiefs and warriors who had shared with him the dangers and for­tunes of many a battle—men whose eyes were dim, and whose powerful frames were bowed down with the weight of years. But old and young alike rejoiced together in the joys of that day, their faces most of them radiant with Christian joy, love, and hope. It would be impossible to describe the deep feeling manifested when the solemn service began, by the entire audience singing Dr. Watts’ hymn…

Who so much as they could realize the full meaning of the poet’s words? For they had been rescued from the darkness of heathenism and cannibalism and they were that day met for the first time under a Christian constitution, under a Christian king, and with Christ Himself reigning in the hearts of most of those present. That was indeed Christ’s kingdom set up in the earth.

Notes on the Methodist Hymn Book, by G. J. Stevenson

JESUS SHALL REIGN
Click here for tune.

Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Does his successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

Behold the islands with their kings,
And Europe her best tribute brings;
From north to south the princes meet,
To pay their homage at His feet.

There Persia, glorious to behold,
There India shines in eastern gold;
And barbarous nations at His word
Submit, and bow, and own their Lord.

To Him shall endless prayer be made,
And praises throng to crown His head;
His name like sweet perfume shall rise
With every morning sacrifice.

People and realms of every tongue
Dwell on His love with sweetest song;
And infant voices shall proclaim
Their early blessings on His name.

Blessings abound where’er He reigns;
The prisoner leaps to lose his chains;
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blessed.

Where He displays His healing power,
Death and the curse are known no more:
In Him the tribes of Adam boast
More blessings than their father lost.

Let every creature rise and bring
Peculiar honors to our King;
Angels descend with songs again,
And earth repeat the loud amen!

Thought Provoker

It is estimated at the time of our Lord that the world’s population was about 250 million people. The population doubled by the time of the Reformation 1500 years later. By the beginning of the 20th century it had grown to 2 billion. Today it is over 6 billion! Do you know where most of these people are living? More than one half of the world’s population reside in the large metropolitan cities! Cities like Mexico City with a population of more than 25 million! As these cities have become centers of pollution, poverty, over population, and crime; many of the working people have fled these problems and moved to the suburbs, leaving behind empty churches and little Gospel outreach to the people of the inner city. Today, we are going to discover a blueprint from Nehemiah on how to not only revitalize a city but also the hearts of the people.

Dad’s Study

Unlike today, in Nehemiah’s day Jerusalem suffered from underpopulation. However, the condition of Jerusalem was like many inner cities today. Nehemiah found a city victimized by war — the buildings in ruin, temple destroyed, city walls torn down. Without a wall of protection, looters had ransacked the city. When the people came back from captivity under Zerubbabel is it any wonder that many chose to flee Jerusalem and live in the suburbs? After the walls were complete Nehemiah had to first repopulate this great city of God. What was the plan to bring people back (verses 1-2)? Some were drafted as others were encouraged to volunteer. Did you notice that the leaders had to set the example? In fact, in verse 3-25 Nehemiah makes an honorary list of 3,044 male adults who resettled in Jerusalem. If you add the women and children it is estimated that about 10,000 Jews returned.

It was not enough to revitalize the city; the hearts of God’s people also had to be spiritually revitalized. Nehemiah makes special note of the spiritual leaders who settled in Jerusalem including the priests (vs. 10-12), Levites who were temple workers (vs. 15-16), and singers (v. 22).

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

There is a need today to spiritually revitalize our cities. Rather than fleeing the large metropolitan areas Christians need to stay and be salt and light to the unsaved city population. Inner city churches need to be reopened so that God’s Word can be proclaimed again!

We are starting to see a few encouraging examples of those who are following Nehemiah’s lead. We recently had a young engineer working for General Electric leave our church and return to Cincinnati, Ohio. She and a couple of her friends had decided to find an apartment in the heart of the city where they could be a witness in word and deed.

Bethlehem Baptist Church is graced with a lively ministry in the downtown section of Minneapolis. Pastor John Piper and his church leaders live in the midst of this diverse city. God has blessed this church with a fruitful ministry to peoples of multiple colors, languages, and ethnic background.

Can you think of some tangible ways your church or family could encourage an inner city church near you? Pray today that God would further His kingdom into the forgotten peoples in the cities of the world.

Catechism

Question 56

Q. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment forbids the taking away of our own life (Acts 16:28), or the life of our neighbour unjustly (Gen. 9:6), or whatever tends to it (Pr. 24:11,12).

Gracious God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, humble our hearts before you, strip us of our self-righteousness, and cause us to trust only in the righteousness of Christ. Be merciful to us and cause your grace to abound to us and grant that by grace through faith the righteousness of Christ would be imputed to lost sinners that in you there would be life, and peace, and grace. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

Isaac Watts

Words: Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David, 1719.

Perhaps one of the most interesting occasions on which this hymn was used was that on which King George, the sable, of the South Sea Islands, but of blessed memory, gave a new constitution to his people, exchanging a heathen for a Christian form of government. Under the spreading branches of the banyan trees sat some thousand natives from Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa, on Whitsunday, 1862, assembled for Divine worship. Foremost amongst them all sat King George himself. Around him were seated old chiefs and warriors who had shared with him the dangers and for­tunes of many a battle—men whose eyes were dim, and whose powerful frames were bowed down with the weight of years. But old and young alike rejoiced together in the joys of that day, their faces most of them radiant with Christian joy, love, and hope. It would be impossible to describe the deep feeling manifested when the solemn service began, by the entire audience singing Dr. Watts’ hymn…

Who so much as they could realize the full meaning of the poet’s words? For they had been rescued from the darkness of heathenism and cannibalism and they were that day met for the first time under a Christian constitution, under a Christian king, and with Christ Himself reigning in the hearts of most of those present. That was indeed Christ’s kingdom set up in the earth.

Notes on the Methodist Hymn Book, by G. J. Stevenson

JESUS SHALL REIGN
Click here for tune.

Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Does his successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

Behold the islands with their kings,
And Europe her best tribute brings;
From north to south the princes meet,
To pay their homage at His feet.

There Persia, glorious to behold,
There India shines in eastern gold;
And barbarous nations at His word
Submit, and bow, and own their Lord.

To Him shall endless prayer be made,
And praises throng to crown His head;
His name like sweet perfume shall rise
With every morning sacrifice.

People and realms of every tongue
Dwell on His love with sweetest song;
And infant voices shall proclaim
Their early blessings on His name.

Blessings abound where’er He reigns;
The prisoner leaps to lose his chains;
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blessed.

Where He displays His healing power,
Death and the curse are known no more:
In Him the tribes of Adam boast
More blessings than their father lost.

Let every creature rise and bring
Peculiar honors to our King;
Angels descend with songs again,
And earth repeat the loud amen!

Thought Provoker

As I write this, our county fair is drawing to a close. Our local church had a booth at the Fair from which we distributed gospel tracts and engaged fair-goers in conversation regarding the state of their souls. A common question asked was “What is your hope for heaven?” How do you think most people answered that question? As you read Nehemiah 10 you will see that there is nothing new under the sun. The fair-goers of Park County Wyoming are still placing their hope for heaven in the same things as the Jews of Nehemiah’s day.

Dad’s Study

After making corporate confession of their sins in Chapter 9, the Israelites made a covenant with God, in writing, that they ” .…entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes” (Nehemiah 10:29). In so doing they have bound themselves to the law and all of it’s obligations, to keep and observe all the ordinances of God. As such there is blessing promised to he who keeps and observes all that the law commands and cursing to those who fail to keep every part of the law. (Deuteronomy 11:26-28)

To gain favor with God by keeping the law is to take on a burdensome task. Scripture says that one can keep the whole law and transgress it at only one point and you will be guilty of all of it. (James 2:10) Furthermore, Christ said that even though the 10 Commandments say thou shalt not commit adultery or murder; that if we even look upon a woman to lust or are angry with someone we have violated the commandment.

This brings the requirement for obedience into the heart, demanding that we not only outwardly do, but also inwardly have a right heart. To earn favor with God requires that one live a sinless life of perfection. There is only one who has known no sin, the man Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

The purpose of the law is to point us to Christ. (Galatians 3:24) The law is there to show us that no sinner can keep the perfect law of God and that to trust in our own righteousness by the keeping of the law for our salvation is futile. (Romans 3:20) It is the wrath of God that awaits all those who trust in their own works of righteousness for salvation. (Romans 4:15) Our only hope for life and blessing is in Jesus Christ and His righteousness. (Philippians 3:9; Titus 3:5) For life and peace we trust only in the grace of God to sinners that is brought forth through Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:24; Romans 5:15) What is your hope for heaven?

Catechism

Question 56

Q. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment forbids the taking away of our own life (Acts 16:28), or the life of our neighbour unjustly (Gen. 9:6), or whatever tends to it (Pr. 24:11,12).

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD (Psalm 25:4-7). Amen!

Today’s Hymn

Adoniram J. Gordon

Words: William R. Featherston, 1864. Featherston was only 16 years old at the time. Music: Adoniram J. Gordon, 1876.

MY JESUS, I LOVE THEE
Click here for tune.

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love Thee because Thou has first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

Thought Provoker

What is a revival? Many think it is a series of special church meetings that you attend. I can remember as a child growing up in the South; our church revival came every summer during the month of July. In June the Deacons would dust off the canvass banner that read, “REVIVAL” and display it on front of the church building. Each year a different revival preacher would come (usually dressed in white shoes and belt), calling Christians to rededicate their lives. As we have been discovering in Nehemiah, a revival is not something we go to but rather the Holy Spirit providentially and powerfully coming to us and passionately reviving our hearts. Spurgeon described it as ” — a work of the Holy Spirit of a supernatural kind, putting power into the preaching of the Word, inspiring all believers with heavenly energy, and solemnly affecting the hearts of the careless, so that they turn to God and live.” Although Revival is a sovereign act of God, He uses His ordained means to powerfully revive His people. In chapter 8 we saw that all revivals first sparked by powerful expository preaching of the Word. Today, we see the other means God commonly chooses to use.

Dad’s Study

Fasting (9:1a). Fasting is a season of abstaining from your ordinary diet to draw close to God in meditation and prayer (2 Sam. 12:16; Jonah 3:7; Matt. 4:4:-12; Acts 4:23). It was never meant to be an outward show or a meritorious work (Matt. 6:16-18).

Humiliation (9:1b). As an outward symbol of their humiliation and penance before God they would dress in sackcloth and cover themselves in dirt. After hearing God’s laws followed by fasting, God’s people were humbled and brought low before God. Before there can be revival there must be first true humility.

Repentance (9:2-3a). True repentance includes a confession of sin and heartfelt turning from those sins. We read that Jews confessed with sins and the iniquities of their father. But their repentance was not mere words. They turned from their sins by separating themselves from all foreigners. They refused to marry or join with them in the worship of God.

Worship (9:3b). Their hearts having been warmed as they experienced forgiveness in the presence of God they can’t help but respond in joyfully praise! Praise to His mercy! Thanksgiving for His grace!

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Someone once asked the British evangelist Gypsy Smith, “How do you start a revival?” Smith replied, “Go home and get a piece of chalk. Go into your closet and draw a circle on the floor. Kneel down in the middle of the circle and ask God to start the revival inside the chalk mark. When He has answered your prayer, the revival has begun.” Revival has to begin with you drawing close to God with a sincere heart. Respond to God’s word with fasting, humiliation, repentance and worship. May these be the spark to ignite His revival in your heart!

Catechism

Question 55

Q. Which is the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.

But I trusted thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake (Psalm 31: 14-16).

Today’s Hymn

Adoniram J. Gordon

Words: William R. Featherston, 1864. Featherston was only 16 years old at the time. Music: Adoniram J. Gordon, 1876.

MY JESUS, I LOVE THEE
Click here for tune.

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love Thee because Thou has first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

Thought Provoker

I once knew a young man who regularly attended church, and even led the student ministry of his denomination on his college campus. However, he “knew not the scriptures or the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29) As he grew, suffered hardship, married, and had a family he became depressed, desperate, and without direction in life.

In the midst of his depression he was talked into teaching a children’s Sunday school class. To do so he had to study the scriptures and seek to have them explained to him so that he could in turn teach the children in his charge. The Word of God began to change him. God used the scriptures to bring about conviction of sin and then a joyful commitment to follow Christ. Though this story is true of one individual in 20th century America, it is also parallel to the true story of the Jews in Jerusalem during Nehemiah’s day.

Dad’s Study

In verses 1-6, Ezra simply read the scriptures to the people of Jerusalem, and it had effect. In I Timothy 4:13, Paul tells his young pastor protege to give himself to the public reading of the Word. The simple reading of the Word (publicly and privately) is of value, even to those whose eyes have not been opened by the Holy Spirit.

In verses 6-8, priests and Levites went among the people and explained the scriptures that Ezra had read. In Acts 8:26-39, read of Phillip explaining Isaiah to the Ethiopian eunuch. The eunuch was led to search for God in the scriptures, but he needed a teacher to explain the meaning of foreign writings to him. We have a need not only to read or hear the Word of God, but also to have Spirit indwelled persons preach and teach the meaning of the Word to us.

In verses 6 and 9-12 the people do something remarkable: they are in awe of God based on the Word they have heard and have had explained to them. They fall on their faces to worship God. And from the reaction of Nehemiah, Ezra, and the scribes and Levites, they were mourning and grieving over their sin. The leaders had to tell them that the time was for joy, not for mourning. The reading and understanding of the Word was something to celebrate. God’s glory before them and their conviction of sin by His glory was something to celebrate.

In verses 13-18, they returned for more “reading, preaching and teaching” of God’s Word. They heard that they were in the month for the Feast of Tabernacles and immediately and enthusiastically gathered materials and built little shelters and stayed in them until the festival was over.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

We should always promote the reading and explaining (preaching and teaching) of the scriptures, for God has commanded it. If we need any further encouragement to do so, preaching is the primary means God uses to convert sinners to Himself. As we have seen in the books of Kings, Chronicles, and Nehemiah, and in the true revivals of religion in our world (The Reformation, The Great Awakenings, and other movements) the reading of the Word can remake whole societies and save souls for eternity.

Greg Bailey, Greenville, SC

Catechism

Question 55

Q. Which is the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.