When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4
Nehemiah was a slave in Babylon but had such a good position as the king’s cup bearer that he could have easily forgotten his devastated homeland. Unlike the lightning speed of news globally today Nehemiah had to wait for several years before a relative visited and updated him about the plight of Jerusalem. The news of the broken walls, insecurity, poverty, etc. was devastating to Nehemiah and he became so depressed that the king noticed it.
Why should he care when he had such a good position in Babylon and is comfortable? Look within now! If all is working well for you and you feel secured, will you honestly care about what is happening around you so long as it is not a threat to you?
Nehemiah’s concern was far beyond broken walls, poverty, insecurity, etc.; it was the disgrace brought on the Name of God because the city bore His name. Some in America argue that America is not a Christian nation but a secular state; however, everyone else in the world tags America a Christian nation. Let us admit it. America was founded on Judeo Christian principles and its constitution was literally pulled out of the pages of the Bible.
Therefore, God’s Name is more at stake in America only second to Israel than any other nation in the world. This should be our concern.
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is EMS/SIM Missionary. He serves as Team leader of SIM Culture Connexions; Pastors of ECWA Chicago and ECWA USA DCC Chairman.