Issue 21: A Call to Virtue; Lessons from Nehemiah
In the spirit of Father's Day
Dear Brother, what kind of father do you trust God to become?
Dear Sister, what kind of father do you trust God for your children?
Issue 21 on the 21 of June. Must be a special day!
Good evening and belated happy Father’s Day to you!
Welcome to this week’s edition of Jesus Therapy Seven! It’s my earnest prayer that as we seek to know God more, our lives will take the perfect form necessary to fulfill His purposes, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Some months ago, a Godly couple on Twitter asked Godly ladies to mention a character in the Bible who they consider a good fit for marriage. I went through the comment section to glean some knowledge and I saw some interesting comments.
Some said Our Lord Jesus, Joseph (of the OT & NT), the apostle Paul, Boaz, Job, David, etc. Others pointed out why some characters won’t be a good fit for them.
Well, men, what Bible character do you consider a perfect fit? :)
You can tell me at the end of the newsletter!
Lessons From Nehemiah, the Cupbearer
Amongst many other great men in the scriptures, Nehemiah exemplified some great virtues that I took note of in the course of a study. Certainly, we can learn something from his story.
Nehemiah was a nation-builder at heart. He took responsibility for his nation just after hearing of their predicament. He sought the Lord in dust and ashes, reminding Him of His covenant and confessing their sins (Neh. 1).
He was a humble leader. Nehemiah soon rose to become governor, yet didn’t eat the bread of the governor because he feared the Lord (Neh. 5:14-15).
Nehemiah was compassionate. He spoke to his people against charging usury from the poor. He exhorted them to fear the Lord and restore what had been taken (Neh. 5:1-13)
He was a man of faith. Nehemiah knew his God and never cowered before Sanballat and Tobiah (Neh. 4 & 6).
Nehemiah was persevering. After every prayer, there was a renewed zeal to keep building. He even championed a vigil to keep watch against their enemies (Neh. 4:9).
Doubtless, if Nehemiah was to manage a family today, we can presume how much of a good father he’d be! To fathers who have exemplified great virtues in the leadership of their homes, you’re greatly honoured!
You Cannot Give What You Don’t Have
Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?
- Proverbs 20:6 ESV
Though I have searched repeatedly, I have not found what I was looking for. Only one out of a thousand men is virtuous, but not one woman!
- Ecclesiastes 7:28 NLT
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.
- Proverbs 31:10 KJV
These verses are humbling. A young man was recently asked whether he’d found someone, and he responded disappointedly, “Finding a Godly woman is not easy in a time like this”. The verses above confirm it.
If God says He created us all to be virtuous (Eccl. 7:29), you may wonder what went wrong. Put simply, sin happened. Even with the liberation that Christ offers, many are still carried away by their inventions.
Many Christian homes fall short of God’s design because of the operation of sin. Only those who bear the image of Christ can distinguish themselves as God’s children in such a perverse world.
To become what we expect in a Godly home, we must begin by becoming born again and intentionally submitting to growing in the Lord! God wants us to be renewed daily by His Word. He has given us Jesus as a model to keep beholding and transforming into His image (2 Cor. 3:18).
Only transformation by the Word of God can make a virtuous man and woman. Are you experiencing God’s transforming power in your life and character?
I pray today, that you’ll commit to growing in your knowledge and love for the Lord, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Goodbyes
It is God that gives Christian homes — homes where Christ is Lord indeed! Do you desire it? You have to keep asking for it. There’s something about importunity in the place of prayer. Not because we’re worthy of Godly love, but because of His mercy.
He satisfies the desire of His Beloved.
Till next time,
Wednesday, God-willing.
A beautiful piece. Nehemiah was also shrewd and discerning. He was wise in his approach towards enemies ( Let's say People who intrude his God given work, Family as the case is about Family today).. Chapter 4 and 5 of Nememiah
God our Father is supreme. He's the perfect fit. No other father comes close. For human examples, I'd go for Abraham because God specially "testified" of him (God named him Abraham meaning "Father of many nations", called him His friend and emphatically said, "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him" - Genesis 18:19). Abraham is it for me. Shalom!