Prayer lesson 4: When you pray refer to the Word of the Lord!
Rev. Enoch Thompson | October 21, 2023 | *Nehemiah 1:1-9
KEY VERSE:
⁸"Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, ⁹but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.' Nehemiah 1:8-9 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
The God of the Bible is a speaking God. He has spoken in times past and still speaks today words that coincide with and affirm His word that has been captured in the biblical scriptures. The word of God captured for us as the Bible is a selective history of God’s interactions with His believing people and with the people of the past. God’s eternal plan to redeem lost humanity and restore us to Himself (salvation history) is evident throughout the Bible.
What God has said in the past is a good reference point for what we can expect from God in our dealings with Him today. Nehemiah made a point to refer to God’s earlier word to Israel; ⁸"Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, ⁹ but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.' (Nehemiah 1:8-9), NIV. He recalls the word of affliction as well as the word of the promise of restoration, issued by the mouth of God to Israel. It was the premise of his prayer for God’s intervention in the calamity Israel was in.
When we pray, we must seek out from the Bible what God has said in His past concerning our situation. If we do not find an exact reference, we may find a principle that we can apply to our situation. We can also hear from God today the mind of God concerning a matter, by the voice of the indwelling, reminding, and directing Holy Spirit. And be assured that if God said it then God will do it.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Are you developing a reliable store of Bible knowledge to fall upon as you walk with God, and as you do business with Him in prayer? Let’s commit to reading the Bible, memorizing the Bible, studying the Bible, obeying the Bible and using the Bible information in our prayer life.
Are there things we need to cut out of our lives so that we can spend more quality time in the Bible? Take God’s word back to Him, and it will bring back God’s answers to your prayers!
PRAYER:
O God, thank you for your ancient word that speaks to all ages, even now and beyond. Thank you for the written word, and the spoken word, and its value for my life and my walk with you. Please help me to take in your word, and to remember to bring it up when I stand with you in prayer.
Awaken your Church to the central place of the Bible and help your people to love the Bible and live by the Bible. For Christ’s dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
DAILY word study: INSTRUCTION The word instruction in Hebrew is translated as: "תּוֹרָה"(Torah - Instruction)
The Hebrew term "תּוֹרָה" (Torah) is at the heart of this verse. While commonly translated as "law," it encompasses a broader meaning, including guidance, instruction, and divine teaching.
Through Scripture, the word is used to refer to:
Divine Guidance: The term "Torah" in the Old Testament often refers to God's guidance and instruction for His people. It is not merely a set of rules but a comprehensive guide for living in harmony with God and others (Psalm 119:105).
Mosaic Law: In Nehemiah's prayer, the reference to instruction through Moses highlights the giving of the Mosaic Law, which included moral, civil, and ceremonial aspects. This law served as a foundational guide for Israel's identity and conduct.
From our key verse in our devotional today, we learn about the benefits of Gracious Instruction in three ways:
Inclusive Nature: Nehemiah emphasizes that the benefits of God's instruction are not exclusive; both the sons of Israel and servants partake in them. This inclusivity reflects God's desire for all to receive His guidance and wisdom.
Gracious Character: The term "gracious instruction" implies that God's guidance is not harsh or arbitrary but is bestowed with kindness and generosity. Reflecting on the grace within God's instruction deepens our understanding of His character.
Continuity of Guidance: The acknowledgement of instruction given through Moses underscores the continuity of God's guidance throughout Israel's history. It's a reminder of God's faithfulness in providing the necessary wisdom for His people.
Reflections
How does recognizing God's instruction as gracious and inclusive impact your perception of His guidance in your life?
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