In the King's Presence

Nehemiah 8:5

Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up.  

In our Sunday School the other weekend, we called it ‘Once Upon a Time’, the kids experience what it was like to be in the presence of a king. I for one did not know that there were different levels of bows and curtsies. There’s this small reverence, or the slight lean; the moderate reverence, or the 45 degrees drop; and the profound reverence, or the long, deep bend, used in ceremonial occasions. The kids also had fun rising from their seats at the king’s arrival, moving aside if they’re on his royal path, and addressing him ‘Your Majesty’.  We ended our time with a grand feast of castle cakes, and yes we said that it was from the King of kings Himself!

Chapter 8 opens with the people gathered at the Water Gate for the Feast of Trumpets – the Second Jewish New Year.  It was more special this time because they’re celebrating the completion of the walls. The remnants can now have the security of calling it home.  They’re back in business. Back to their calling as God’s people. But how? Seventy years in Babylon prevented them to exercise their distinction. And so they requested Ezra to bring out the scroll of the law of God.  It was them asking him ‘Teach us how!’  Ezra went up, stood on a platform above them, and a very beautiful thing happened: ‘as he opened it, the people all stood up’. We can observe that they did rise NOT at Ezra’s entrance, although they sure respect him for being His herald. All honor and reverence was set apart for God alone, and the reading of His Word.  

Now we know ‘where’ we got the practice of standing up when we do Scripture reading at church. But we should also embrace ‘why’.  First, we know it’s in acknowledgement of who God is. He is King, THE King. We stand up at His presence, we bow down as His subjects. Second, we follow Jesus’ example. Even Jesus in Luke 4:16 stood up to read the Scriptures. Even He honored the Word of God. I wouldn’t go legalism and say we couldn’t read the Bible in our seats or while in bed. But I would ask us to consider the posture of our hearts while we’re hearing Him. Is there reverence? Is there submission?  If we believe that He is the living Word who graces us with His presence, there should.

Pause to Praise

Nehemiah 7:1

After the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers, the musicians and the Levites were appointed.

The other week, my mom and I were chatting over the phone and our conversation went as far as Canada : ) She asked if we’re still considering going abroad as a family.  It could be an easy yes if all we’re after is a comfortable life.  For who wouldn’t want a nice house and really big servings of steak! Relieved that it was at the far end of our thoughts, she confessed what her brother told her lately: “After years of working really hard and now being able to afford all my wants, I wonder, is this all what life is?”  It was really sad.

Today’s chapter opens with the wall finally finished after only fifty-two days. It was undeniably God’s hand over them considering all the hurdles they endured. We would expect that next in Nehemiah’s list would be to reward his men with a sumptuous feast and a good break from work. Just like how we treat ourselves after a draining week. And it seems it was what happened in chapter eight. There really was a celebration for the One who deserved it most. Not the people obviously. In fact they were still in work mode. The relevance of the Levites’ appointment here was to remind them of their purpose as a nation. That it wasn’t about building structures or being safe and comfortable. It was to attend to their temple service.  It was to worship God.

Ask a student what’s his plan after college and he’ll answer you, ‘I’ll find a decent job’. Ask a worker and he’ll either say marriage or aim for a promotion. Ask the newly raised and he’s eyeing to buy his own house. Ask a boss and he’s probably already saving for his retirement. Ask a senior citizen and he could still be after something. Really nothing wrong with forward looking. But what is, is when we see life’s purpose meeting us only at the finish line. I’m sure if Nehemiah’s OC-ness ruled over, he wouldn’t put a halt until their temple would be like Solomon’s, their government like Persia's, and their marketplace like Tyre's. But just like in music, it’s not all playing notes. Interestingly, the word Selah in the book of Psalm is believed to mean ‘pause’ or ‘praise’.  We sing a line and then we pause for praise. We check one task and then we pause for praise. We end a day and then we pause for praise. Why wait 'til the end of your life's song before you breathe? No wonder we're stressed! (if not dead!)  Let's follow His cue: make it one praise at every phrase.  

After Four Invites

Nehemiah 6:4
Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer.

With all the Napoles-pork barrel news flooding our nation’s front pages, there’s one item which I found most amusing. Not that I am verifying that the accusations were true, I am no law expert here. But who wouldn’t be suspicious? First, these senators denied knowing Napoles at all.  With around P400M of their allocations going to her bogus NGOs, I wonder how they did not take time to get to know her. Days after, we see them in a photograph together plus a document proving their family members were business partners. Their statements went from ‘not knowing at all’ to ‘just casual acquaintances’ to ‘not on a personal level’ relationship. Quite confusing, really.

As early as chapter 2, we’ve been seeing the names Sanballat and Tobiah ran alongside the wall rebuilding.  They were as passionate as every Jew in daily checking the status of the project. Only theirs was on the destructive side. Today, we see them inviting Nehemiah to meet with them. They made it appear like a casual gathering of course. But God warned Nehemiah’s heart that it was a scheme to harm him. The verse above mentioned the invitation came four times. Actually it went up to five. And every time, it was met with a NO answer and this reason: because he was carrying on a great project and the work shouldn’t stop. No sweet excuses. Nothing sour either. Just truth and the resolve to stay to his call.

Given the same scenario, how will we fare? Will we lose it on third invite? Say being on a diet and a teaser would treat you to a buffet?  My answers would have progressed from ‘No’ to ‘Not now’ to ‘How about next time’ to ‘Just one hour’ to actually piggin’ out.  Even if it’s work and not diet, a nagging temptation is just hard to resist. Hard but not impossible. There is always a God-provided way out so we can endure it. The crucial part is to know why we’re saying No. Without God’s truth to back us up, we’ll end up more vulnerable to giving in. It is imperative to know that it is God who has purposed you to do all that’s in your hands today. That’s the only answer you have to give to your full-time, faithful distractions. One which you have to believe yourself.

The Battle Within

Nehemiah 5:6-7

When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry.  I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them, “You are charging your own people interest!” So I called together a large meeting to deal with them.

A friend recently organized a very beautiful wedding event and we’re one of those tapped to help out. Peeking at their line of guests and suppliers, I can really say it was one of those extravagant ones. Sadly though, their dream of having the perfect beach-like theme was drenched in rain. I can imagine everyone’s concern over the bridal gown, and the cocktails, and the photoshoots. The frowning of the newlyweds was expected. But only a few knew it was more than the weather hit. For what could be worse than realizing too late that they shouldn’t be married at all.  And they’re not just having those cold feet.

After Nehemiah’s victory over the opposition in Chapter 4, he was very hopeful that the wall rebuilding would progress even more. For if they could reach half its height amidst threats, imagine what they can accomplish in peace.  But what hit them was far harder than the stones thrown at them from outside. The opening verses noted how the storm crept in from within. The long and short of it was that the rich Jews were exacting usury from their poor brothers to the point of enslaving their children.  It angered Nehemiah because the sin not only trespassed God’s law against oppression but it also kept the work from being accomplished. What he did next was admirable. Instead of blurting it out, he stepped back and pondered. Other versions say: he consulted with himself, thinking it over carefully. He himself used the method of working it out from within.  And because God was on his side, nothing can stand against him.

Bringing it home, I was reminded of two things. First, the enemy’s scheme is to hit us hard from within. We can be as successful as King David, as spiritually mature as Elijah, as godly as Job, but in one click, we can fall into grave sin, succumb to despair, even lose the ones we hold dear.  It’s a scary thought. But not impassable. Second is the truth of God‘s power within us. If we belong to Him, the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead (imagine that power!), lives in us. No death nor life, nor any power, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from His love. Faith may be our only shield to a thousand enemy schemes, but it sure can extinguish all arrows. The enemy knows that. We should too and be alert and be in prayer for all of the Lord's people.

Prayer Plus +

Nehemiah 4:9
But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.

When my husband told me last week to sit down and meet with him, I was thrilled. For one, I love meetings. Seeing the big picture down to every detail energizes me. And second, it’s a joy for wives when husbands take the lead. Putting us on dependent-mode make us more secure, and the submission easier too. Anyway, our talk was around financial management. Nearing our forties, we recognize the need to rethink our priorities (and principles) in areas of saving, giving, and spending. The initial brainstorming readily posed a threat to our cravings and conveniences. We’re sure it’l continue to tempt us daily.  And so, aside from provision, we sought the Lord’s protection and power to resist the lure.  Plus, we wrote down our action plans.

Chapter four of Nehemiah started with the name Sanballat and later joined by Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashrod. These men were Judah’s tormentors. They employed themselves fulltime with a single task: making sure Jerusalem walls stay burned and dead! First, they threw large heaps of insults to the people. The intention of calling them feeble and their work frail was to slow them down with self-doubts ‘til they succumb to defeat.  Second, they literally plotted to attack their lives. I wonder how many moms considered pulling out their men with such high-risk jobs (and no pay!). Commendably, in both hits, Nehemiah united the people to respond in prayer and to continue the hardwork. No vengeful looks. No throwing back of very hard breads. But they did tighten their defenses. Not that they don’t fully expect God’s protection. It’s more of God wanting them to exercise His wisdom in plotting these precautions.

With the big battles in our lives - - financial burdens, relationship conflicts, career failures, health issues - -  I’m sure like me, you wished today’s verse would just say ‘they prayed and were saved.’ But just like in 1 Peter 5:7, the soothing ‘Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you’ did not end there. It continued with ‘Be alert. Watch out. Resist the enemy. Stand firm in the faith’. Really strong words! And if we read further, just before we land on the beautiful promise of ‘He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation’, we’ll see the phrase: ‘So after you have suffered a little while...’ That ‘little’ word there was supposed to give us hope. Add to that a little faith which can move mountains! So, like Nehemiah and the people of Judah, let’s not give our enemy the pleasure of seeing us down or distracted. We prepare to defeat them by calling on God, and then the two plus-es: we continue with our work heartily and we check our faith defenses regularly. Period.  

Working Extra

Nehemiah 3:27

Next to them, the men of Tekoa repaired another section, from the great projecting tower to the wall of Ophel.

I learned from a very special mentor back in college that a leader is most successful when the work continues even without him. So last month, before I left for my sister’s graduation in Manila, I made sure I delegated the children’s ministry tasks to competent people. Receiving no calls that weekend, I was confident all went well as prayed for. It did. Except for that detail that the teacher assigned for the evening service had a surprise guest and another willingly took her place to attend to the kids. The latter had all the reasons not to do it: she already taught that morning, she also needed to attend the service, she had a full day already, and she still had wife-y responsibilities when she gets home. But she didn’t use all those valid excuses to avoid working extra.  She didn’t even complained after or brag about her sacrifices. She just did it with her whole heart - - and with a right heart.

Chapter 3 of Nehemiah was a lengthy read, especially because it’s an account of hard-to-pronounce names and i-have-no-idea-where locations. The long and short of it was these remnants were called by God through Nehemiah’s leadership to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. From priests to goldsmiths, rulers to commoners, fathers, sons, even daughters, all worked as one to complete the task.  Aside from Baruch who zealously repaired a section, my reading highlighted the men of Tekoa too. The verse above was the second mention of their names, meaning, this was already an extra work for them. Earlier in verse 5, they were next to Zadok working near the Fish Gate and then we read these words: ‘though their leaders refused to work with the construction supervisors’. But despite the lack of expected help, these men of Tokea  were able to finish their double-load, even faster than others, and willingly walked some more extra miles to help where it was needed.

We all wished to be regarded as good Samaritans. We are compassionate people and if really needed, will extend help to those hurting.  But of course, everyone understands that sometimes we also have family issues, and have tight budgets, and have very important meetings, and can’t be Superman all the time. Better yet, isn’t ‘I’ll pray for you’ godly enough? Why extend another hand? Why walk an extra mile? But can you imagine God clicking autopilot after creation? What He gave us was perfection that could last a thousand generation. But when we chose sin and the consequences gave birth to more rottenness, He didn’t say ‘Not my problem guys. I did my part.’ Instead He sent Jesus to take that painful extra mile to save us all.  And although it was enough, His grace still overflows. Note His answers to our prayers. His timely protection. His daily provision. These are all extra love. And what do we do with our extra supplies? Yes, we give it out : )

Shut Up or Shout Out?

Nehemiah 2:12
I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.

I had the task last weekend to organize Windsong’s training seminar for Metro Cebu. Two days before the event, we were still short of seventy one registrants and the equivalent fees.  My heart was racing at every thought of the teachers’ housing, lovegifts, and gastronomical needs. I considered a handful of options but somehow nothing seemed to fit. Nearing desperation, I was ready for a shout-out. A ‘help me, anyone?’ And I did. To Him who best could. And the verse above were His words to me.

Nehemiah told NO ONE what God had put in his heart. He arrived in Jerusalem three days already and he still hasn’t made himself known to everyone. Very opposite from our political figures who instagram their every provincial visit and brag about their golden eggs even before the chickens meet. Nehemiah’s discreetness was evident in the descriptions ‘he set out during the night’, brought with him ‘a few others’, ‘told no one’ and had ‘only the donkey he was riding on’. He purposefully allowed no one to distract and discourage God’s will through him. I imagine his conversations with God as he inspected every crack and rubble: ‘Lord, will the resources suffice?’ ‘Will the people of Judah’s support this?’ ‘Can I really lead this humongous task?’. His fears were real. But greater was his faith. Not even that did he broadcast. Not until the appropriate time.

And so I sat in my corner resolved to shut my mouth. To those who know me, that’s an effort. But His word was clear. I promised God I will step aside and allow Him to do the talking.  He will move people’s hearts to Himself and for His glory. What He had put in my heart to do was to continue the preps. I did. I’m glad I did. For exactly the same day, I received a text from my pastor approving the check for the sponsored meals I requested, even doubling the amount! That afternoon too, we receive an email from Manila asking for our bank account and the amount was enough to cover the lodging and the remaining meals. And although the Walk-In registrants did not reach the target number, it was the amount we need to bless our teachers with lovegifts. And all I did was to zip my mouth! Guess I should do that more often : ) But not for praise. Not today. For today's the time to shout-out-loud: PRAISE GOD!