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Word from Nairnshire
by Sandy Shaw
How do you react and respond to bad news?
When Nehemiah heard the sad and bad news, that Jerusalem’s walls lay in ruins he responded positively.
He sat down, wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed. Not many people react and respond with such profound spiritual fervour.
Nehemiah held a position of great importance. He was the cupbearer to the king of Persia.
Before the king supped, Nehemiah would taste the wine to ensure that it had not been poisoned. He never knew when it might be his final sip!
Nehemiah was an eminent man, exercising a responsible role, and was probably the only man the king trusted totally.
He was God’s man and he was a top man.
We hear much these days about passion.
Nehemiah was certainly a man of passion, as was Jesus Christ, who wept over the city of Jerusalem when the people would not come to Him.
Jesus wanted everyone to come under His protective wings, and be cared for, rescued and protected. Jesus continues to be concerned in these ways.
Nehemiah prayed for around four months, as he carried out his daily duties, with this massive burden on his heart, and it began to show on his face.
Our faces reveal much. The king noticed the change in his facial appearance and inquired as to what was wrong.
At that specific moment he shot off the briefest of prayers, and spoke to the king.
Having been so intimate with God over these months, a breath of prayer was all that was required. After explaining how his burning desire was to go and rebuild Jerusalem, the king gave permission that this work be done.
Nehemiah’s reaction to bad news resulted in practical fruitful consequences, without his having to wangle the circumstances.
Sandy Shaw
Nairn Christian Fellowship
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Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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