November – December 2003
After overcoming so many difficult obstacles described in the previous chapters, Nehemiah now faces one of his greatest challenges—internal dissension and complaint. The chapter commences by describing a great cry amongst the people of God. It is no ordinary cry. The Hebrew word means a cry of aff…
The Cry of Affliction Read More »
This proverb might appear to present somewhat of a paradox at first reading. However, the wise man is counselling discernment in our response to the utterances of folly. Such discernment is clearly evident in the interactions of Nehemiah with his enemies.
Reading through the book of Nehemiah, one…
“The Strength of the Bearers of Burdens is Decayed” Read More »
Verse 6 of Isaiah 27 presents the picture of the seed of Jacob budding and filling the face of the earth with fruit. This is the glorious destiny reserved for Abrahamʼs natural seed, but the verses which follow review Yahwehʼs correction and discipline of His people and the reasons for His mercy b…
This is the second of a two-part series under this title. The first part appeared in the previous issue of The Lampstand, Volume 9 No 5
Many of the leaders of the Palestinian movement today were born outside the land. Yasser Arafat and Edward Said, a leading Palestinian academic, for instance, we…
Palestinian Autonomy Read More »
This was the heading of the lead article for the cover story of Time magazineʼs June 16 edition. It speaks of the challenges facing the Church in the light of falling attendances, and ageing clergy and consistent scandal. In all, the article demonstrates that people are becoming disillusioned with …
“O Father, Where Art Thou?” Read More »
The construction of the Tabernacle and Solomonʼs Temple provides valuable lessons for faithful perseverance in the several ecclesial causes to which we put our hands. Whilst edifying and building up the ecclesias, we also need to remind ourselves of the importance of binding “living stones” int…
Although the prophecy of Malachi is undated, it is generally conceded that it belongs in the period of Nehemiah. Malachi also forms the second portion of our daily readings during December. It is hoped that this brief outline of the book will assist us to gain the maximum benefit as we read from thi…
Nehemiah chapter 1 captures the essence of Nehemiahʼs most intense desire—a wonderful concern for the people of the covenant and a yearning for the fulfilment of Godʼs covenants of promise made to the fathers of old. In subsequent chapters we see this yearning outworking itself in diligent activ…
“I Beseech Thee… Let Thine Ear be Attentive” Read More »
It is sometimes difficult to imagine what life in the court of Persia would have been like in the times of Nehemiah. This article endeavours to create a picture of what may have occurred as the drama unfolded in the Persian palace and attempts to describe the thoughts of Nehemiah as he prepared to t…
One of the great highlights amongst young peopleʼs circles is the Youth Conference which occurs every two years and attracts young people from all over Australia and New Zealand. This year the conference was held in Adelaide on the subject of the book of Nehemiah to the theme “Remember me, O my G…
For the People Had a Mind to Work Read More »
