Bible Pathways - June 9, 2009

Nehemiah 9

Highlights In Today's Reading:

What a wonderful worship service! Before the month is over the earlier reading of the Word of God leads the people to confession of their sins, revival, and worship (chap. 9). They renew their Covenant with God to follow His Word (9:38-10:39). Notice who signed it.

The Feast of Tabernacles lasted from the 15th day through the 21st day of Tishri (the seventh month of the Jewish religious year). On the 24th day of Tishri (September/October), the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and. . . . separated themselves from all strangers (nonbelievers of the One True God), and stood and confessed their sins. . . . and read in the Book of the Law of the Lord their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the Lord their God (9:1-3).

The priests revealed how God, in His manifold mercies, had provided His Good Spirit to instruct them. . . . they lacked nothing (9:19-21). Yes, it was the Holy Spirit who provided miraculous guidance (9:12,19-20). It was the Holy Spirit who anointed Bezaleel and Aholiab as skilled craftsmen to do all the work of building the Tabernacle (Ex. 35:30-35; 36:1-3). And He is the same Holy Spirit who will guide each believer as Jesus promised: When He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all Truth (John 16:13). His Good Spirit indwells all true believers as Peter told the congregation on the Day of Pentecost: Repent, and be baptized . . . and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) (Acts 2:38). Jesus explained to His disciples: The Spirit of Truth . . . the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you (John 14:17). It is the Holy Spirit who imparts His gifts severally (individually) as He will (I Cor. 12:11). The Holy Spirit also reproves of sin (convicts, convinces, corrects) and guides us in righteousness (John 16:8-10), as well as into the occupation or position God has chosen for our lives, preparing us for our promised inheritance. It is of utmost importance that we fulfill the will of God and gain His best for our lives: Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11).

Our submission to the Word of God is essential if the Holy Spirit is to teach and guide us. Let us take heed lest we grieve . . . the Holy Spirit of God (4:30). He alone can enlighten our minds (I Cor. 2:16), impart conviction of sin, and empower us to live a sanctified, holy life (6:11).

The Spirit . . . (Himself) beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. . . . through Him that loved us (Rom. 8:16-17,37).

Thought for Today:

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it (Heb. 4:1).

Christ Revealed:

As the Creator of heaven and earth (Neh. 9:6). All things were created by Him, and for Him (Col. 1:16).

Word Studies:

9:18 wrought great provocations = committed great blasphemy; 9:22 didst divide them into corners = allotted and set boundaries; 9:25 fat = rich; 9:29 withdrew the shoulder = turned away rebelliously; hardened their neck = were stubborn, obstinate; 10:1 Tirshatha = governor; 10:28 Nethinims = Temple attendants or servants; 10:31 leave = forego the 7th year's crop.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Gertrude Duke • Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Government Official: Rep. Don Young (AK) • Country: Papua New Guinea (5 million) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: 715 indigenous languages • Religious freedom • 64% Protestant; 33% Roman Catholic; 2% ancestor worship, belief in spirits, and witchcraft • Prayer Suggestion: Pray with unwavering faith so that your prayers may be answered (James 1:5-7).

Optional Reading: 2 Corinthians 11

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33