Introduction: We come now to the conclusion of the great story of the work of reformation conducted under Ezra and Nehemiah. And at the conclusion of this work, we find that there is still much to do. There is always much to do. Semper reformanda. The Text: “On that day they read in the book …
Ezra Nehemiah 21
Introduction: The two chapters we are considering today are filled with many strange names (which we have already encountered), but we also learn some important lessons on the place and role of music in the work of reformation. The Text: And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also …
Ezra Nehemiah 20
Introduction: We have spent some time in Nehemiah, but not as much time as the people there themselves spent in establishing the work of reformation. As with all reformations, they often find themselves doing the same thing over again, as we find in this passage. The Text: Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, …
Ezra Nehemiah 19
Introduction: Repentance is hard work. Although a change of heart and mind is right at the center of it, there are other aspects of repentance—study of the law of God being one of them. It is not enough to say that you would do what God wants “if you only knew.” Perhaps, if He has …
Ezra Nehemiah 18
Introduction: Returning to the book of Nehemiah, we find the city walls built, but the city within is still not populated, and is still not prosperous. Building a city involves more than building the infrastructure, and repentance brings gladness together with the sorrow. The Text: Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, …
Ezra Nehemiah 17
Introduction: Nehemiah and those with him have continued to make good progress. When they have nearly completed their work, their adversaries try a few remaining tricks. The Text: Now it came to pass when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and …
Ezra Nehemiah 16
Introduction: The church of God has always had to deal with threats from two directions. The first is the obvious threat from without, from the enemies of God and the gospel. But the other threat comes from sin within the camp, from internal dissension, and from poor leadership. Nehemiah here sets us a wonderful example. …
Ezra Nehemiah 15
Introduction: This passage from Nehemiah is a wonderful example of how the work of the kingdom of God goes forward. Dealing the the nature of the work is one thing, and dealing with those who are hostile to the idea of that work is another, and it is often necessary to have a sword in …
Ezra Nehemiah 14
Introduction: We know that all Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for teaching and correcting. This does not mean that we gravitate to Nehemiah 3 as naturally as we do with Psalm 23 or 1 Corinthians 13, but it does mean something. The Text: Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the …
Ezra Nehemiah 13
Introduction: Laughter and mockery are inescapable. It is never a question of whether, but which. In a world where God has established the antithesis between righteousness and unrighteousness, it is never whether something is going to be ridiculous, but rather which thing is going to be ridiculous. The Text: And it came to pass in …