The burden of Jerusalem
Nehemiah 2:3 And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?
It was a time of great hardship for the inhabitant of Jerusalem, Nehimaiah was born in exile together with many and were made to serve as slaves in different places.
Being a cup bearer in the King's Court who enjoys the Palace merriment better than other slaves, he never forget his home. The news of Jerusalem being in ruins breaks his heart and was so much devastated.
In this mood of sadness he was called to resume his duty by serving the king with wine... He was so much consumed with the burden of his home to the point king Artaxerxes noticed his countenance.. He was not afraid to give detailed explanation on what the matter is when being asked...
Meanwhile, he had first prayed to God for help, for favour and grace before the King whenever he would present the matter before him.
Nehemiah 1:10 Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. 1:11 O LORD, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.
His burden and love for his dear country made God step into the matter, God granted his request and even made the king provide all necessary resources needed for the job to be done.... A common slave received grace because of the burden in his heart..
Do you have the same burden today as a believer in Christ ...?
His burden moved the king to make provisions for Nehimaiah, He could have absconded with all the freewill gifts given to him to rebuild the wall, just as many do today... But his burden for his nation override his selfish desire.
There are many burdens that should consume us today as we live.
The burden for righteousness and holiness:
As much as you preach righteousness and holiness, are you also an agent of righteousness inside out?, are your character a replica of Christ's character whom you represent?... The burden should burn daily in our hearts if truly we are of Christ who claim
The burden for the salvation of the lost soul:
The quest to save the lost soul into the kingdom should be the priority of every believers in Christ... It is a commission given by the lord Jesus Christ... Acts 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
It is sad today that those who ought to be channel of salvation has become a channel of destruction.
The burden for the less privileged:
God has blessed you with wealth and resources, the reason is not just for you and your family but also to extend the hand of love to the less privileged... Do you have the burden of love today?, to help the widow, the orphans, the people living with disabilities etc...? It is a commission of God and an act of His love.
The burden for good governance and godly leadership:
So much has gone wrong and still going wrong because those who ought to stand for the truth and speak out have be manipulated by the corrupt leaders... Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Are you an agent of positive change in your little way or you have sold your dignity and future of the next generation for your selfish accumulation of wealth? .... When God shall raise another moses to deliver the nation, you shall be no where to be found. Because you miss the opportunity God has given you.
Nehimaiah prayed for Jerusalem and he was successful just as the word says.. Psalms 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Are you praying for the peace of your nation?, are you not Rejoicing in the division, war, series of crimes going on everyday?.. Only those who loved their nation dearly shall prosper therein.
What burden are you carrying today?
Think about it.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of today in Jesus Christ
2. Lord, help me to have the burden of good deeds in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, help me not to miss the opportunities you have given me in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.