PROOF OF PATRIOTISM: Devotion for Wednesday February 24, 2016
Text: Nehemiah 1:5 – 11 Memory verse: v 7
The prayer of Nehemiah was nationalistic in nature which is a clear evidence of his patriotism. He started his prayer by recalling the attributes and promises of God (1:5 compare Ex. 20:6). He was specific about the deplorable condition of Jerusalem which he attributed to sin of the Israelis (1:6, 7. Compare Deut. 28:15). He didn’t exonerate himself and his family. He recalled the promise of God concerning repentance and restoration in Neh. 1:8–10 (see Lev. 26:33, 39; Deut 4:25-27, 29; 28:64). He prayed for favour in the eyes of the king he serves as cup bearer. We should note that the best way to obtain favour from men is to plead with God in whose hand lie the hearts of men.
Nehemiah’s approach to national problem of Israel is a challenge for us Christians of this generation. Do we see ourselves as one of the major contributors to the problem of corruption, insecurity, political violence and all manner of social vices that are affecting us today by our inability to pray and to do what is expected of us? How often do we even care to know what is happening in our nation? Nehemiah asked and that prompted him into prayer. When we hear of national issues, does it prompt us to pray or do we begin to analyse it, blaming people at leadership position. Our first duty is to pray for our nation. Let this be uppermost in our hearts.
Food for Thought: How often do you pray for your nation and problems confronting her?
Prayer: Lord, lay a great burden in my heart for my nation and cause me to pray for her always.
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