Prayer Journal
Wednesday, August 30, 2000
Nehemiah was about to take a trip. His journey would take him into troubled waters - the like he'd never seen before. As a cupbearer to the king, Nehemiah was set for life. But on this day his simple question would start a process that would bring hardship into his life as he played a part in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
Nehemiah asked men returning from a recent trip to Judah, "How are things at home?" If asked that question today, a person might quickly respond, "Fine - just fine!" But these men knew Nehemiah was interested in an honest answer.
"Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire." Neh 1:3
What was Nehemiah's response? He sat down, wept, mourned for several days and didn't eat anything. He prayed, confessing the sin of his nation. Then he asked God to give him strength to do what needed to be done.
Another man knelt before God 150 years earlier. Daniel prayed, confessed the sin of the people and also asked God to restore his homeland - the holy hill called Jerusalem. (Dan 9:24) God told Daniel that there would be seventy weeks before He would answer his prayer (a "week" being a period of seven years.) How are these two examples connected?
Both men grieved, repented for the nation, confessed, wept, mourned, fasted, prayed and made petition. Daniel was told God's deliverance would begin once a decree was issued ordering the restoration and rebuilding of Jerusalem. Nehemiah was prompted to ask the king for permission to rebuild Judah and king Artaxerxes issued the proclamation that fulfilled Daniel's prophecy.
The sixty-ninth week of Daniel ended at Calvary when the Anointed One, Jesus was "cut off". And, to date there have been 2,000 years between the 69th and 70th week, which is yet to begin. What's the delay?
We're the reason! God wants you to come to knowledge of his saving grace and receive his precious gift of salvation. If you've yet to take this step, don't wait too long. The seven year clock of Daniel starts again when the man we know as Antichrist, appears to make a covenant with the Jews.
God's grace is amazing, isn't it! Now you know that grace has an expiration date. When the clock counts down, grace is replaced with judgment! Are you ready? The stage is set. Just Thinkin'.. WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
