Nehemiah, Lesson 6

Chapters 11-13

The Rev. Louis B. Tiscione

Introduction:

“And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem” Nehemiah 11:2. A
commitment to the city was made by the people. They cast lots, an ancient method of making choices, to determine
who would live in the city proper. Even though only 1/10 of the people were to live in the city, all gave themselves
to the selection process. The people’s commitment demonstrated that they would not neglect the city of Jerusalem.
It seems that there is a reversal of this commitment today in the Church. Most churches seek to locate in the apparently
more lucrative suburbs. The once great city churches are being deserted. In fact, the Lord has blessed our church
with a downtown church building that was deserted. May we, at a minimum see the great opportunity God has
given us to be a living testimony to His glory, as Israel sought to make Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s day.

Further, note the level of significance placed upon the “house” of God. That is, preparation and support for
worship, teaching and ministry through the Temple was a top priority of every member of the Covenant community.
Notice the number of Levites, singers and priests. The people even gave financial support for the singers so as to
give a certain “quota day by day” Nehemiah 11:23.

The celebration that took place at the dedication of the completed wall is an example of hearts that have been truly
impacted by the goodness of God. A great gathering of Levites, singers, musicians took place all for the purpose
of celebrating God’s providence. Notice that the priests and Levites purified themselves first and then purified the
people. The church ought to have awareness that meeting God in corporate worship is supremely higher than meeting
with our friends. It is a solemn event that calls all of us to prepare to meet the holy God. Note that this great celebration
was planned. Spontaneous response to God is a good thing and it becomes even more enhanced when we respond
from our hearts within a well-planned and well-organized liturgy. Note also that the people’s response was not mere emotionalism. They had experienced the providence of God. They were instructed in God’s word. They were taught
the mighty works of God and their own sinfulness. These worshipers were informed/educated in who God is, what He
did and of their own sins.

Commitments are sometimes easily forgotten. This was certainly the case for Nehemiah. “So I contended with the
rulers, and said, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” And I gathered them together and set them in their place”
Nehemiah 13:11. Paul wrote to Timothy, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself” 2Tim. 2:13.
We need to be reminded of our commitments as Nehemiah reminded God’s people of theirs. We’re all sinners. We
all fall short of God’s righteousness. We need to hold each other accountable. Read Luke 14:25-33. Jesus declared
that following Him is costly. He calls each one of His people to commit themselves to following Him. The place at
which and in which we work out our commitment to Jesus is the church.

Observation Questions from Chapters 11-13:

1. How did the people react to the men who offered themselves to the lottery for dwelling in the city?
2. The people enjoyed a great celebration with choirs, instruments and processions. When the word was read,
   what was found and what was the response of the people?
3. What two disturbing things did Nehemiah discover on his return from Artaxerxes?

Application/Discussion:

1. From our study of Nehemiah, what are some practical demonstrations of making a commitment to live under
   the Lordship of Jesus Christ?
2. How do you understand God’s call to holiness? How does holiness apply to your personal life and to our
   corporate life?
3. How would you summarize the book of Nehemiah?
   

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                       Weatherford Presbyterian Church, PCA
                                        204 South Main St
                                    Weatherford, TX  76086
                                          (817) 594-1277