For Young Believers

by DARKE, R. | Category: For Young Believers | Sept 1955

In our spiritual career we must have an objective. Nehemiah's objective was God's objective. He did not please himself as to how he went about his work for God. Notice in chapter 3. bow careful Nehemiah was to see that the first gate built was the sheep-gate, through which the sacrifices were brought for the worship of God's people. This gate was built by Eliashib, the high priest, and his brethren the priests. From it we can learn the lesson of the great importance God attaches to the objective of restoring collective worship. Any work of restoration and rebuilding must begin with a right heart-condition whereby God can receive the worship of His people. If our hearts and lives are in accord with the will of God we shall be able acceptably to function as a holy priesthood. Then we can appreciate the need for the fish-gate to be built next by the sons of Hassenaah, which may speak of our work in the gospel-the royal priesthood service-" I will make you fishers of men." How often this order is reversed! How much stress is placed today upon the need for more gospel work and less teaching, as though we can go out at any time in our own strength and reach souls for Christ! No,, the heart of the worker must be right first. Godward service must come first. It was after Peter had had a testimony of the majesty, power, and holiness of the Lord, that he heard the Master say, "Fear not ... thou shalt catch men" (Luke 5.10)'.

We cannot leave the life of Nehemiah without realizing that he was not only a great worker, a great leader, a great statesman, but also a man of prayer, a man who prayed from the heart objectively. How God's people need such men today! Not long-winded, rambling prayers! One great preacher said that some brethren take too literally the words, "Pray without ceasing"! Note the brief heartbreathings of Nehemiah: "Remember them, 0 my God" (chapter 12.29). "Remember me, 0 my God, for good" (chapter 13.31).

"Lord, teach us to pray."

DARKE, R. | Sept 1955
For Young Believers