Nehemiah the Civil Servant - Part 3

In the previous devotions of this subject, we considered the man who had a driving God-given vision. The man God uses is one who is conscientious and concerned. Nehemiah's concern led him to the next stage, compassion.

1:4 - When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

Being concerned for the kingdom of God is good but if it just ends at that stage, it is meaningless. Yes many times we are moved with concern when we are challenged with the great commission or hear about the disasters that occur around the world. But it does not progress beyond that. Concern that does not lead to compassion is just an impression. It is akin to watching a good soap opra and coming out emotionally charged with dessipates within a short time. I know of many people who come on mission trips, get emotionally charged but nothing more. Its just a good memory.

The Bible says of Jesus in Matt 9:36 - But when He saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Nehemiah's compassion let him to sit down, weep, fast and pray. If any of these components are missing, then there is no true compassion.

Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 15, 2010 at 12:40 PM

    This is very challenging my br, we are not moved with compassion like Jesus. I observed that its not that the saints don't know what there are to do, but they just chose not to do anything. If we would only apply half of what we already know it would make such a difference in the world we live in.

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